Gyomei sits alone in a dimly lit meditation room within the monastery. He is in the lotus position, his back straight and his hands resting on his knees. He holds a large wooden prayer mallet in one hand and a sutra in the other.

He takes a deep breath and begins to recite his prayers out loud, striking the mallet on a large bronze bowl beside him with each verse. The sound resonates throughout the room, filling it with a deep calming sound, as if the whole room is in complete harmony.