Based on the zen story presented in the tea meditation article, I received a question on how to explain emptying a cup to a person who has not started meditating.

Answer

That question has many levels to it. It all depends on your level of consciousness. How does a beginner start to understand this? As stated in the story "You are full of your own opinions and assumptions and must let them go. How can you learn truth until you first empty your cup?" In relation to meditation, you must learn to let go of what you expect to happen. Empty your cup of expectations and what others have told you. Learn to experience it for yourself, devoid of any expectations. If you hold truth to your own expectations or someone else's opinions, then you will recreate that during your meditation session. True alignment cannot come in a mind full of beliefs. You must let go and allow the truth to be shown to you in your own way. We are all led to the truth for which we are ready.

Someone else can only guide you. They can only lead you to the door, but you must walk through it. That, I feel is my job as an instructor. I can lead you to the door.

Conclusion

In order to learn how to meditate, you must first empty your cup.