The Zen of (attempted) Simple Living...
Empty Cup Ranch is located in the abundant Creston Valley of British Columbia Canada. Although Empty Cup Ranch may not be a true 'ranch' we do have a family of dearly loved critters and are so fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. We share our home and barn with two wonderful Pugs, two cats, a small flock of Katahdin and cross sheep, two Le Cheval Canadiens (the Little Horse of Iron) and my QH Rei. We also have Rex rabbits and a small flock of chickens, ducks, and one turkey.
This website is purely an exercise in appreciation to those animals that share our space and our efforts to live consciously within our means, utilizing what the good earth provides. At times we may have horses, lambs, or some rabbits & poultry for sale. Please check back or inquire if you are looking for something specific.
Please contact us at emptycupranch@gmail.com or sign our Guestbook!
Sincerely,
LeAnne & Neil Ripski
Why "Empty Cup"?
Becoming an Empti-Full Cup:
by Pam England
When a Zen Master meets a new student, there is a tea ceremony. Tea is poured into the student’s small hand-held cup until he or she gives a small gesture to indicate “enough, thank you.”
A long time ago there was a mind-full, accomplished, self-certain monk who arrived at a temple for training. The Master poured tea. The young monk gestured and gestured to stop pouring, but the Master kept pouring tea until the cup overflowed. Why?
The Master explained, “When you arrived, your cup was already so full, there was no room for new. Empty your cup. . .”
The “empty cup” becomes a powerful metaphor for personal practice. The “cup” represents your Heart, senses, or mind. At every moment, the Holy, Life itself, wants to pour Itself into you, into your “cup.” When your “cup” is full of your ideas, plans and judgments, there is less room to receive the Holy, the unexpected seeing, Light, or gifts the moment is offering.
It becomes a living practice to consciously “empty your cup,” again and again and again. The cup fills up easily; we want to fill it with the tea we “like.” It takes fierce courage to choose Love over being right or comfortable. It takes a commitment and courage to be empty, open, and receptive. It takes courage to hold out your empty cup to receive something new and unexpected, including what seems to us the dark, not-so-sweet side of the Mystery of Life.
