The Cup

026 - The Cup
by Saleh Badrah

Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
~ T. S. Eliot (1888-1965)

Nan-in, the sage, one day received
A guest who'd come in search of wisdom.

He poured him tea, but when the cup
Was overfull, he kept on pouring.

Observing this, the hasty guest,
A haughty doctor stuffed with lore,
No longer could restrain himself:
Stop, stop, he yelled, oh can't you see?
The cup is overfilled with tea!

Just like this cup, Nan-in replied,
You're full of your own certitudes.
Without an empty cup, my friend,
How can you wisdom comprehend?

• Adapted from a koan by Zen Master Nan-in

Published in the Saudi Gazette, Saturday, 21 April 1999
Copyright © Saleh Badrah