From time to time, I have to discourage people from attending a Ch'an retreat. These people tell me that they have tried all kinds of meditation methods ─ reciting mantras, chanting, visualization, reciting Buddha's name, and more. I say to them, "If you want to participate in a Ch'an retreat, then give up whatever you have learned in the past and use Ch'an methods." Why do I say this? Unless you have faith in one method and follow it exclusively, you will not progress in your practice. The important and essential thing is that you have confidence in your method, and that you fully enter one gate. Do not waste your time trying to enter many gates. In reality, there are no gates, so no matter which gate you choose, you should stick to it. If you work diligently and relentlessly, you will progress, and eventually you will gain entrance. Once you pass, the "gate" disappears.

It is important to have faith in the method. One reason people cannot build up faith is that they do not use a method long enough for it to mature. It is like cooking. You cannot blame the stove or the ingredients if the rice is not cooked.

There is a saying in the West: "All roads lead to Rome." If you walk down one road for a few miles and then say, "I don't think this road goes to Rome, " you will have to retrace your steps and try another road. If you do the same thing with every road, you will never reach your destination. Every road may lead to Rome, but if you have never follow any road to its end, you will never find out for yourself.

The important thing is to persevere. The gate exists only while you are practicing. Once you gain entrance, the gate is no longer important. It is just a stage in your practice, not a final achievement. That is why you should not worry about your progress or brag about your achievements. Results are not that important. It is the process, or practice itself, that is important.