In a rural area of China, there lived a scholar who is well known for his intelligence. If there is any letter written in English or any languages, he could simply read them (there is no internet or computer at that time). Sanskrit, English, French or even Japanese, you name it. Most of the villagers would go and seek his help if their cows, chickens or even ducks missing.

He could pinpoint the location of the missing chicken for example. He just tells the villagers to head south for 2 mile and they will eventually found the chicken. The villagers did found the missing chicken just as he said it. If there is a quarrel in the marriage, he is the one being sought to solve their marital issue. Be it anything. He is the one the villagers seek.

One nice day, in the afternoon after his lunch, he decided to take a stroll along the hill. As he walks along the hill, he saw a huge crowd going up and down the hill. Curious, he asked them why there is such crowd today? One of the villagers replied him, stating that they are seeking advice from the wise monk at the temple top of the hill.

Furious is he that he thought that the monk come here to cheat and con the villagers. Wanted to disclose the true monk motives, he headed up the hill. Once he reached the temple, he saw a young monk, about the age of 12 sweeping the floor. He approached the monk with anger and asked to seek the so-called wise monk. The young monk knowing that the stranger had no good intention up here. Politely, he excused himself and went to inform the wise monk.

The wise monk knew that the man came with no good intention. Calmly he told the young monk to invite him inside the temple to have some tea. The young monk informed the scholar that he could meet the old monk inside the temple. When the scholar went into the temple, he saw the old monk invited him to sit down and have a cup of tea.

The old monk then poured the tea from the pot to fill the cup. As the cup was full, the old monk did not stop and keep pouring until the tea overflow wetting the table. Politely the old monk apologizes and cleans the table. He told the scholar that he is going to replace with another cup as a full cup is improper and it makes it hard for the visitor to drink. Once again, the old monk filled the cup with tea and again, he spilt the tea. The scholar tried very hard to hold his anger when the old monk spilt the tea twice.

The old monk changed the cup again and this time, he filled the cup with tea. Again, he spilt the tea and it even wet the scholar clothing. Furious and angry is the scholar, he slammed the table and shouted “The cup is already full. How …..” The scholar suddenly froze. He notices that the following words from his lips are meant for himself. He knew that the following words are “…can… …you… …still… …filled… …the… …tea… …in… …it.”

The scholar realized that the monk is truly indeed wise. He politely apologizes and leaves. He informed the old monk that he will visit him again.