DiY ceremony

[Shoshin]

Would it be inappropriate or uncommon to read the Heart Sutra, the Dedication of Merit and the Vows when I do zazen on my own?
If it's ok to do it, when should I fit the Metta verses in? I usually do it after zazen.
Btw is it planned to do Metta live sessions in European time again?
Thanks!
Gassho,
Ester
Satlah

[Bion]

Hi, Ester! No, nothing wrong with a little liturgy at home. I do a morning service every single day as well, after morning practice!
Here is a little post from Jundo Roshi about what we can do at home, apart from the essential zazen, which is a fully complete and sufficient liturgy on its own. Let me know if it helps:
AT HOME LITURGY>>

Gassho
sat lah

[Shoshin]

Thanks!!
Gassho,
Ester
Satlah

[Choujou]

Excellent question, thank you Ester and Bion! I myself have begun to chant the heart sutra, as well as the verse of atonement and the four vows (although I usually do this later as I live in an apartment building and early morning chanting would probably disturb everyone.) I didn’t realize there was an established st home liturgy! Thank you Bion! I’ll be diving into that!

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today

[Chikyou]

Hi Esther,

It seems many of us have our own personal liturgy. This is mine:

I set my zazen timer (plus one minute) and light the candle, and the incense on my altar (touching it to my forehead three times while reciting the Three Refuges) and now three times. Then I sit zazen for 20 minutes. When the bell rings (my timer I set at the beginning) I bow, recite the metta verses (while still seated on my cushion) then I stand, bow, fluff my cushion and then recite the Verse of Atonement and Four Vows while facing my altar (bowing as appropriate). The whole ritual takes about half an hour and I usually do it in my PJs because it’s the first thing I do in the morning.

Gassho,
SatLah,
Chikyō