Buddhadharma does not change, yet it can and does adapt to different cultures and periods of history. It is just that unenlightened people attach to the way the Dharma expresses itself. It is like the fool who takes the finger pointing to the moon to be the moon itself.

Up to this point I have been speaking about Buddhism. I understand that in the United States many people believe that Ch'an (Zen) is somehow separate from Buddhism. Let me emphatically say, right now, that Ch'an is Buddhism. It is one approach to the practice of Buddhadharma. Maybe because of the directness of Ch'an, people take it to be different from Buddhism. I hope this misunderstanding has been cleared up.

These articles appeared in no apparent order in successive Ch'an Magazine issues over the years, but for purposes of organization and clarity, the editors have decided to organize them into three large categories. These categories, "Practice, " "Philosophy and Doctrine, " and "Social Issues, " are the areas that the questions touch upon. Of course, some overlapping takes place. Each article is an entity unto itself, although some can be said to be related. This book need not be read straight through or in order.

I know not every subject has been addressed. At one point, we had to decide whether to put out this material. We could have waited longer, but it became apparent that we would never run out of questions. If more questions are subsequently asked, perhaps we will publish a sequel. In the mean time, I hope these articles help to answer some of my readers' questions. I'm sure they will raise more questions. I am also sure that some will disagree with my answers. That, too, is fine. I do not wish to force the teachings of Buddhadharma on anyone.