"Drink your cloud" is the instruction given by Thich Nhat Hanh (image courtesy of Plum Village Practice Centre, France)

Drinking a cup of tea can not only be refreshing but potentially enlightening. Forget the complicated and structured Japanese Way of Tea or cha no yu, this is just your every day cuppa.

Nan-in, a Japanese master (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. But instead of listening, the visitor kept talking about his own ideas.

After a while, 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. "Don't you see it's full. 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?"