Zen and the Art of Cleaning: Shoukei Matsumoto’s Therapeutic Guide on Tidying Rituals

In a world that may seem chaotic and overwhelming, the act of cleaning is often overlooked, dismissed as a mundane chore. We either avoid it or, if the budget allows, delegate it to our servants. Thankfully, Shoukei Matsumoto, a Buddhist monk, presents an alternate perspective in his book A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind. The book reveals the therapeutic potential embedded in the simplicity of cleaning activities.

Matsumoto’s wisdom, rooted in the principles of Shin-Buddhism, transcends the mere physical act of cleaning, inviting us to cultivate a mindful and harmonious connection with our surroundings. Let us make use of some of his advice to take a step in that direction.

Things become rubbish when they are treated as rubbish.

Matsumoto’s first piece of advice serves as a foundation for his philosophy. Things become rubbish when they are treated as rubbish. This seemingly straightforward statement carries
profound implications. It asks us to approach objects with respect and appreciation, recognising their inherent value. When we treat our possessions with care, we extend that care to our own well-being and, by extension, to the well-being of others.

People who don’t respect objects don’t respect people.

The first principle, in some ways, echoes through the second advice — “People who don’t respect objects don’t respect people.” Just like how caring for a delicate flower ensures its growth, the way we treat objects mirrors our connections with the outside world. This serves as a gentle reminder to nurture a sense of reverence in every aspect of our lives.

Cleaning should be done in the morning.

To fully embrace the therapeutic potential of cleaning, Matsumoto suggests integrating it into our daily routine. “Cleaning should be done in the morning. Do it as your very first activity of the day,” he says.

By making cleaning a priority, we establish a ritual that sets a positive tone for the day. The act of cleaning becomes a meditative practice, allowing us to start each day with a clear mind and a sense of purpose.

What matters most is consistency.

Consistency is emphasised as the key to reaping the benefits of cleaning and tidying. What matters most is consistency. This regular engagement with our environment fosters a sense of order and stability in our lives, acting as a subtle yet powerful form of self-care.

The act of cleaning is a chance to communicate with nature.

Matsumoto elevates cleaning beyond a mere physical task, portraying it as a communication with nature itself. The act of cleaning is a chance to communicate with nature. Through this lens, cleaning becomes a mindful dialogue with the elements around us, reinforcing our interconnectedness with the natural world. It invites us to recognise the sacredness in the
mundane and infuses our daily activities with spiritual significance.

Closure is necessary.

Matsumoto’s teachings also touch on the spiritual significance of everyday tasks. He says, “After taking something out, you must close what you have opened. Closure is necessary in life.”

This advice extends beyond the literal act of closing doors; it encourages us to complete tasks and bring a sense of order to our lives. Closure becomes a symbolic gesture, reflecting our commitment to finishing what we start and maintaining balance.

If you enter a damp bathroom, your heart also becomes damp.

Yes, it sounds mundane, I agree. But… it matters, doesn’t it? If you enter a damp bathroom, it bothers you. It affects your heart.

Matsumoto draws a parallel between the cleanliness of our physical spaces and the purity of our hearts. Through this lens, the bathroom becomes a metaphor for our inner selves, and the act of cleaning it becomes a ritual of purifying both our physical and spiritual dimensions.

Devoting your heart and souls in chores.

The monk extends his insights to the kitchen, emphasising its significance in the journey towards enlightenment.

He says, “those on the path to enlightenment who possess pure hearts, it is essential that they devote their hearts and souls to work in the kitchen.”

In this context, devotion to cooking becomes a meditative exercise, turning everyday ingredients into a delicious ode to self-discovery. The sizzle of spices and the rhythm of preparation create a flavourful escape that nourishes both body and soul.

Your altar is your family’s own little temple.

Matsumoto concludes with a poignant reminder that resonates deeply with Shin-Buddhist principles. Your altar is your family’s own little temple.

This advice underscores the sanctity of familial connections and encourages us to treat our homes as sacred spaces. The family altar becomes a focal point for shared reverence, creating a sense of unity and spiritual connection within the household.

As mentioned in the beginning, Shoukei Matsumoto’s teachings on cleaning extend far beyond the physical act itself. The physical act is just a starting point. Through his unique perspective rooted in Shin-Buddhism, Matsumoto transforms cleaning into a therapeutic and spiritually enriching practice. The simplicity of his advice has a profound depth, inviting readers to rediscover the sacred in the ordinary and to embark on a journey to understand the interconnected web of life.

Originally published at http://kalampedia.org on February 1, 2024.