https://www.reddit.com/r/zenbuddhism/comments/1i3wvjr/short_morning_practiceintention_advice/
created by No_Idea8021 on 18/01/2025 at 01:55 UTC
15 upvotes, 9 top-level comments (showing 9)
Hey all - hope you’re all well <3 wondering if anyone has suggestions for a short morning practice. I have physical problems so my mornings consist entirely of physical therapy every day - I do my regular meditation practice in the evenings bc of this. I want to start doing something in the mornings to help set the tone/intention for my day but I don’t know what to do (esp considering it can’t be very long). Are there texts that would be good to recite? Reciting vows? Other things? I’d really appreciate anything you could recommend!!
Comment by Qweniden at 18/01/2025 at 02:34 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Depending on what your physical challenges are, you could do a quick Qigong routine. Or you could chant (or read) a sutra or other text.
Here is a good resource for chants:
https://www.sfzc.org/offerings/establishing-practice/services-sutras-texts-songs
Look under the "Daily Sutras, Verses and Texts" section.
These are some recommended chants:
You can just read them normally or do it more "chant like". If you want an example of cadence, you can listen to the recordings under the "Services & Ceremonies->Recordings" section.
Comment by gregorja at 18/01/2025 at 04:14 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Morning practice at the zen temples I’ve stayed at always start with bows, offering incense, and chanting. Here are two morning chants in Sino-Japanese that might resonate with you:
Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo[1] (chant starts at 1:30)
1: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7qZcrkLlwxs&pp=ygUTS2Fubm9uIGd5byByZWxheGluZw%3D%3D
Take care, friend!
Comment by Skylark7 at 20/01/2025 at 03:52 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I make drinking my cup of coffee practice. I sit and drink it with full attention, no digital anything, no distractions. If I'm lucky I'll have time to set the cup down and sit zazen afterwards but if not, it's a good start to the day.
Comment by prezzpac at 18/01/2025 at 02:33 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You can’t go wrong with getting a little butsudan, lighting a candle, offering incense and reciting the Four Great Vows and/or the Heart Sutra.
Comment by Lawdkoosh at 19/01/2025 at 06:24 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The FREE Plum Village app (available on the iPhone App Store) has many short guided meditations that may work for you.
Comment by Frozeninserenity at 19/01/2025 at 11:35 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
As others have stated, there is nothing wrong with a short morning practice of just some chants. One could easily include a few minutes of zazen/meditation as well.
Now, this is NOT short, but I typically do most of my practice early in the morning before work, with a group from my sangha via zoom. We do some of your typical chants - Gatha of Atonement, Verse of the Kesa, and then sit for 25, kinhin/stretch/break for 5 (folks also leave, if needed/desired), and then sit for 25. This is concluded with the Four Bodhisattva Vows, and a quick check in. Sometimes, after this, we will chant the Heart Sutra, time permitting.
Sometimes, I've adapted our typical morning practice for when I need to be on the road quickly by just doing the Gatha of Atonement, sitting for anywhere between 5-25 minutes, and then the Bodhisattva Vows. I've also just done the Gatha of Atonement, Heart Sutra, and the Bodhisattva Vows when really in a pinch.
Comment by SoundOfEars at 23/01/2025 at 01:00 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I like to chant the 4 Bodhisattva vows, sets a good mood.
Sitting just 20-30 minutes in the morning is my favorite way to start the day.
Comment by GentleDragona at 18/01/2025 at 02:46 UTC
0 upvotes, 1 direct replies
BE HERE NOW by Ram Dass. Obviously, the physical book - being a work of High Art - is recommended. Lacking that, or even an ebook, practice what the title alone suggests.
Comment by Willyworm-5801 at 18/01/2025 at 16:01 UTC
-1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Good question. I start out every day with The Daily Word. You can order the booklets published by the Unity Church. Go to : dailyword.com