The practice of deep hearing involves one's whole being, for the ultimate realization means to embody the teaching and integrate it into everyday life, thus going beyond mere doctrinal assent or intellectual comprehension. That this is central to Asian religions has been acknowledged by Christians who are familiar with both Eastern and Western cultures. Thus, the Sri Lankan Jesuit theologian Aloysius Pieris states: "It is common knowledge that the West studies all the world religions, whereas the East simply practices them."
— Taitetsu Unno, Aloysius Pieris, Shin Buddhism by Taitetsu Unno