I prefer that we explain to people what we do and why we do it. It's pointless to say, "Ch'an does this and Zen does that." Inevitably, it leads to unfair comparisons, disagreements, quarrels and competition. If this talk sparks controversy and animosity among people who want to believe that one style is better than another, then they are not good practitioners. Such behavior is foolish. Practitioners should be concerned with their own practice and with helping others.

Looking beyond whatever differences exist, Ch'an and Zen are both within the Mahayana tradition, whose followers meditate and practice for the sake of helping sentient beings. This is more important than any differences.

Lastly, American Buddhism owes a debt of gratitude to Japanese Zen masters and authors, who were among the first to venture to the West with teachings of Buddhadharma. Their initial work and ensuing success made it possible and easier for other Buddhist traditions to establish themselves.