According to legend, when Siddhartha Gautama departed on the journey that would lead to his enlightenment as Buddha, he took only a robe and an empty bowl. In the centuries to follow, zen masters symbolized their transference of authority by giving their successors a robe and a bowl.
Like hands cupped together, an empty bowl signifies a willingness to rely on the help of others. Such a bowl is always ready to receive, be it cereal or a pearl of wisdom.
Give thanks and be filled.
— Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen 24/7