So this matter of sound in Zen practice is really very simple. Any sound will do. What's important is to perceive the sound and become one with it, without separation, without making "I" and "sound".
At the moment of true perceiving, there is no thought, no separation, only perceiving sound. This is the crucial point.
So during chanting time, perceive your own voice and the voice of others, just perceive this bell or drum sound, and cut off all thinking. Then your wisdom-mind will grow, you will get enlightenment and thus save all beings.
— Zen Master Seung Sahn
