101 Zen Stories
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101 Zen Stories is a 1919 compilation of Zen koans including 19th and early 20th century anecdotes compiled by Nyogen Senzaki, and a translation of Shasekishū, written in the 13th century by Japanese Zen master Mujū (無住) (literally, "non-dweller"). The book was reprinted by Paul Reps as part of Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. Well-known koans in the collection include A Cup of Tea (1), The Sound of One Hand (21), No Water, No Moon (29), and Everything is Best (31).
A Cup of Tea
- Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
- Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.
- The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"
- "Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
