It is true that great masters can use expedient methods to help students. For example, Ch'an master Nan-ch'uan cut a cat in half as a means of teaching his disciples. But when lesser masters try to imitate great Ch'an masters, it usually leads to problems. I consider myself to be a lesser Ch'an master, so I'm not going to imitate the great ones. In the history of Ch'an and Zen Buddhism, only one great master out of many killed a cat. Generally speaking, Ch'an masters should maintain the precepts. Master Hsu-yun, probably the greatest Ch'an master in recent history, strictly adhered to the precepts.

The third way to deal with a recent kensho experience is to adhere to the outer forms and rituals of the practice. Having definite forms of practice, attire and behavior helps to create a better environment in which to practice. Of course, I'm referring to monks and nuns, but the same holds true for lay practitioners. Maintaining the proper outer form, the proper demeanor, will help a practitioner not to stray from the practice.

Actually, if a person who has had a shallow enlightenment continues to practice hard, adheres to the precepts, and maintains the rituals, then to a certain extent he is in a position to help other people.

I am sorry to say that Chinese practitioners do not keep up this outer form. Today it seems most practitioners are sloppy in their practice. For this reason you don't see many Chinese Ch'an masters. There are more Japanese Zen masters. In the future, I will try to train students and disciples in this aspect of the practice.