The Empty Cup
Long ago in a province of Northern Chinathere lived a Buddhist monk named Ming Sho. Ming Sho was not his real name, but the name given to him as a
young acolyte in the monastery where he grew up. Ming Sho spent all of his early childhood within the walls of the monastery learning to memorize the teachings of Buddha, cleaning the monastery and studying the Northern style of Shaolin boxing that happened to be popular during this period. As he grew older his fighting skills and his knowledge of ancient Buddhist scripture became well known throughout the province. As was customary with this particular monastery, young monks were encouraged to continue learning by traveling throughout the countryside and studying with whomever they encountered. Often these young monks would spend weeks or months at villages helping the locals deal with their day to day lives using Buddhist philosophy and occasionally using their fighting skills to ward of bandits.
As Ming Sho continued his studies he gradually became well know throughout all of China as a scholar and teacher of great merit. Because of this fame scholars and teachers of all disciplines traveled great distances to learn from the now aging monk. Finally Ming Sho decided to retire to his home province in northern China and set up a simple household in view of the abandoned and rundown monastery of his youth. Many years passed and Ming Sho, though aging would occasionally entertain young scholars or simple villagers to keep his mind sharp.
One day while tending his garden a messenger rode up on a fine stallion with ornate saddle and vestments, which proclaimed a minor member of the Royal court. Although surprised by the visit Ming Sho was unimpressed, as he had seen many important and high borne scholars in his day. The messenger approached Ming Sho and delivered a hand written message in beautiful script from one Hong Shi Lin. Mr. Lin was the son of a rich merchant who had bought an appointment for his son to the Chinese Royal court. Royal appointments were not uncommon during this period as the court was forced to find revenue for several foreign wars. Because Hong Shi had no real aptitude for business or commerce his father suggested
strongly that if he were to stay at court he must spend time learning from the great minds of China.
After much procrastination and complaining Hong Shi finally embarked on a journey to learn from the many scholars of that time. After several years of travel Hong Shi learned of Ming Sho and was determined to see this legend of Buddhist philosophy. Hong Shi had become rather impressed with his own learning by this time and considered himself not only brilliant but also, a shinning example of the well-bred and educated court gentleman.
Ming Sho declined the invitation to discuss the finer points of Buddhist scriptures with this somewhat pompous official. He had learned some years before not to waste time with such individuals. He much preferred the company of simple fisherman and farmers, seeing in them the simple nature that was the cornerstone of Buddhist teachings. Several times over the next few months the messenger returned with invitations and supplications from Hong Shi, the latest, offering a large sum of money for just a few moments of his time. During this period the weather had for several years been dryer than normal and the rains required for good rice crops had become increasingly infrequent. The latest crop had finally produced severe shortages throughout the region with whole villages in danger of starvation. Ming Sho having discussed the situation with the villagers considered what could be done and remembered the offer from Hong Shi. The very next day, as fate would have it Hong Shi’s personal servant again approached Ming Sho with an even more extravagant offer. This time the offer was accepted along with the money. Enough to keep the villages in rice for many years. A time was set for the audience and Ming Sho prepared his finest china for the inevitable tea ceremony, an integral part of such audiences.
The date of the audience arrived and a farmer who had offered to act as the old Monk’s servant showed Hong Shi into the humble surrounding of Ming Sho’s house. Hong Shi although put off by the presence of the farmer was still excited by the prospect of finally seeing the great Ming Sho. The farmer left the official in a small waiting area outside the formal receiving room. Time began to stretch for Hong Shi as he waited. Minutes began to seem like hours and hours like days. Finally the old monk appeared bent with age, but with a sparkle of intelligence in his old eyes. Hong Shi was ushered into the formal audience room and was greatly pleased by the sight of a priceless Ming tea set, Ming Sho’s only possession and an indication that the old monk would prepare tea. This was a great honor for Hong Shi, although he considered it only his due as a member of the Royal court. No words were exchanged between the two men as was customary while the old monk prepared the tea. This was an involved process following a proscribed and formal set of steps, which allowed the men to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the ceremony.
The ceremony, although beautiful, requires patience and Hong Shi was becoming increasingly agitated with it’s length. Ming Sho sensing his guest’s impatience was even more deliberate than usual with his movements. Finally the tea was ready and Ming Sho, a twinkle in his eye leaned forward with a steady hand and began to pour tea into his guests beautiful Ming cup. The tea reached the lip of the cup and began to spill over the side. Still the monk continued to pour and as the tea spread onto the grass mates covering the floor Hong Shi could stand it no longer. Jumping to his feet he shouted, "Old man stop pouring my cup is full!"
Looking up with a small smile, Ming Sho said, "Ah, so it is". With that the old monk stood up and said the audience was over. A bewildered Hong Shi spent several minutes pondering the audience before deciding the old monk had become senile and went his way.
Sa Bum Nim Jon Simonds
young acolyte in the monastery where he grew up. Ming Sho spent all of his early childhood within the walls of the monastery learning to memorize the teachings of Buddha, cleaning the monastery and studying the Northern style of Shaolin boxing that happened to be popular during this period. As he grew older his fighting skills and his knowledge of ancient Buddhist scripture became well known throughout the province. As was customary with this particular monastery, young monks were encouraged to continue learning by traveling throughout the countryside and studying with whomever they encountered. Often these young monks would spend weeks or months at villages helping the locals deal with their day to day lives using Buddhist philosophy and occasionally using their fighting skills to ward of bandits.
As Ming Sho continued his studies he gradually became well know throughout all of China as a scholar and teacher of great merit. Because of this fame scholars and teachers of all disciplines traveled great distances to learn from the now aging monk. Finally Ming Sho decided to retire to his home province in northern China and set up a simple household in view of the abandoned and rundown monastery of his youth. Many years passed and Ming Sho, though aging would occasionally entertain young scholars or simple villagers to keep his mind sharp.
One day while tending his garden a messenger rode up on a fine stallion with ornate saddle and vestments, which proclaimed a minor member of the Royal court. Although surprised by the visit Ming Sho was unimpressed, as he had seen many important and high borne scholars in his day. The messenger approached Ming Sho and delivered a hand written message in beautiful script from one Hong Shi Lin. Mr. Lin was the son of a rich merchant who had bought an appointment for his son to the Chinese Royal court. Royal appointments were not uncommon during this period as the court was forced to find revenue for several foreign wars. Because Hong Shi had no real aptitude for business or commerce his father suggested
strongly that if he were to stay at court he must spend time learning from the great minds of China.
After much procrastination and complaining Hong Shi finally embarked on a journey to learn from the many scholars of that time. After several years of travel Hong Shi learned of Ming Sho and was determined to see this legend of Buddhist philosophy. Hong Shi had become rather impressed with his own learning by this time and considered himself not only brilliant but also, a shinning example of the well-bred and educated court gentleman.
Ming Sho declined the invitation to discuss the finer points of Buddhist scriptures with this somewhat pompous official. He had learned some years before not to waste time with such individuals. He much preferred the company of simple fisherman and farmers, seeing in them the simple nature that was the cornerstone of Buddhist teachings. Several times over the next few months the messenger returned with invitations and supplications from Hong Shi, the latest, offering a large sum of money for just a few moments of his time. During this period the weather had for several years been dryer than normal and the rains required for good rice crops had become increasingly infrequent. The latest crop had finally produced severe shortages throughout the region with whole villages in danger of starvation. Ming Sho having discussed the situation with the villagers considered what could be done and remembered the offer from Hong Shi. The very next day, as fate would have it Hong Shi’s personal servant again approached Ming Sho with an even more extravagant offer. This time the offer was accepted along with the money. Enough to keep the villages in rice for many years. A time was set for the audience and Ming Sho prepared his finest china for the inevitable tea ceremony, an integral part of such audiences.
The date of the audience arrived and a farmer who had offered to act as the old Monk’s servant showed Hong Shi into the humble surrounding of Ming Sho’s house. Hong Shi although put off by the presence of the farmer was still excited by the prospect of finally seeing the great Ming Sho. The farmer left the official in a small waiting area outside the formal receiving room. Time began to stretch for Hong Shi as he waited. Minutes began to seem like hours and hours like days. Finally the old monk appeared bent with age, but with a sparkle of intelligence in his old eyes. Hong Shi was ushered into the formal audience room and was greatly pleased by the sight of a priceless Ming tea set, Ming Sho’s only possession and an indication that the old monk would prepare tea. This was a great honor for Hong Shi, although he considered it only his due as a member of the Royal court. No words were exchanged between the two men as was customary while the old monk prepared the tea. This was an involved process following a proscribed and formal set of steps, which allowed the men to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the ceremony.
The ceremony, although beautiful, requires patience and Hong Shi was becoming increasingly agitated with it’s length. Ming Sho sensing his guest’s impatience was even more deliberate than usual with his movements. Finally the tea was ready and Ming Sho, a twinkle in his eye leaned forward with a steady hand and began to pour tea into his guests beautiful Ming cup. The tea reached the lip of the cup and began to spill over the side. Still the monk continued to pour and as the tea spread onto the grass mates covering the floor Hong Shi could stand it no longer. Jumping to his feet he shouted, "Old man stop pouring my cup is full!"
Looking up with a small smile, Ming Sho said, "Ah, so it is". With that the old monk stood up and said the audience was over. A bewildered Hong Shi spent several minutes pondering the audience before deciding the old monk had become senile and went his way.
Sa Bum Nim Jon Simonds