There was once a very wealthy and learned young man who went to a guru to make him as his mentor. Over an afternoon tea session he said to the guru, "Wise Master, I have studied at many institutions and obtained many degrees and have been subjected to many foolish people who have been able to teach me little that I have not already known. I now wish to study with you so that you can teach me all your wisdom."

The guru reached over to pour tea into the young man's tea cup. The hot tea filled the cup and continued to flow out all over the young man's clothes, burning him in the process. The young man jumped up and yelled, "You stupid man, can't you see what you are doing? You're spilling hot tea all over me!"

The guru stopped pouring and spoke, "Young man, until your cup is empty, you are incapable of receiving anything from me. Go now and return when you are able to make room to receive from another."

So, in order to learn something new, we must first be ready to 'empty our cup' and open our mind to discovering more. We must be willing to act like a novice and remain open and curious. Only then the rich, new insights and more profound understanding will flow continously.