I would like to share a story by Osho that highlights the importance of making space to learn something new.
A renowned philosophy professor visited Zen Master Nan-in to gain insights into Zen wisdom. As the professor posed his questions, the Master listened in silence, seemingly aware that the professor was not truly seeking new answers. After a while, the Master commented, "You seem tired. Climbing this high mountain and coming from such a distant place must have worn you out. Allow me to serve you a cup of tea."
As the Zen Master prepared the tea, the professor's questions simmered within him. The Master gently advised, "Please wait; don’t rush. Who knows? Perhaps your questions will find answers while you enjoy your tea... or even before."
The professor thought to himself, "This whole journey has been futile. This man must be crazy. How can drinking tea resolve my questions? What does one have to do with the other?"
The Master began to pour tea into the professor's cup, filling it slowly until the tea began to spill over onto the saucer, which also started to fill. Just before it overflowed onto the floor, the professor shouted, "Stop! What are you doing? Are you out of your mind? Can’t you see that the cup is already full and overflowing?"
The Zen Master responded, "This is what is happening to you. Your mind is so cluttered with questions that even if I were to answer them, there would be no space for those answers. Just as you cannot pour more tea into a cup that is overflowing, you cannot absorb answers when your mind is brimming with questions. First, empty your cup, and then return."
