The Japanese word EN

EN means "relationships," and for the people practicing the Buddhist tradition in Japan, good EN is the foundation. Practicing and serving in warm harmony with those you respect and trust is essential. But due to the subtlety of this essential point, many Americans do not seem to perceive Japanese Buddhism this way.
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They perceive it like the military, saying "Yes,sir" and "No,sir" and advancing up the ranks like a good soldier:
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Or like a business or politics, aiming to build a sangha with much wealth and many people;
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Or as entertainment, getting the customers to laugh before sending them back home;
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Or like a sports competition, where he who sits in lotus posture the straightest or for the longest time is the champion;
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Or as a job, in which one's books or charisma or fame will lead others to give enough money to make Buddhism one's livelihood;
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Or like education, where we take classes, study, learn, pass exams, and graduate.
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But Buddhist EN is not like this. It is like a fire burning in one's heart (bodhicitta), spreading from one heart to another, loving everyone, having no enemies, seeking only to benefit others and bring about our mutual Buddhahood.