There is also a marked difference in the flavor of Zen before and after World War II. Before the war, Zen displayed more of a samurai spirit. After the war, these characteristics were not as clearly evident; but, compared to masters from other countries, Japanese Zen masters, or roshis, still exhibit forceful personae. It would not be difficult to point out a male Japanese Zen master in a gathering of monks and nuns. It is normal for a Japanese man who is in a position of power to have a commanding, often intimidating, personality, like that of a samurai. A Japanese roshi is still Japanese, and has therefore been raised with these cultural qualities. It is not necessarily the trait of a roshi; it is the trait of a Japanese man in a position of power. In recent times, however, Japanese men have not exhibited the samurai personality as much as they have in the past. Lately there have emerged masters, male and female, of Western ancestry, who are also to as roshis, and no doubt these masters will have personae reflecting their own cultures.

On the other hand, except for their dress and appearance, Chinese Ch'an masters would not stand out in a crowd. They appear and act ordinary. In general, Chinese masters do not have fierce or forceful personalities. If a Chinese master is fierce, then it is that particular master's personality. Ch'an masters will take charge while they are guiding others in practice, but they will not carry over this kind of behavior into daily life. During retreats Ch'an masters might scold some people, but it would be rare to witness this behavior at other times. Outside of the Ch'an Hall, they would live ordinary lives and be indistinguishable from everyone else.

In the Ch'an tradition, there are, in general, two types of Ch'an masters. One type of master tends to scold ─ and sometimes beat ─ practitioners while guiding them. These masters are usually followers of the Lin-chi tradition. The other type of master uses gentle words and mannerisms in teaching practitioners. Generally, these masters are followers of the Ts'ao-tung tradition. Again, however, it must be emphasized that masters exhibit such behavior only when guiding others in practice.