A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind

by Shoukei Matsumoto

Overview

Little known fact: Buddhist Monks are amazing at cleaning and tidying. In this one-of-a-kind guide to cleaning your home, Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumoto reveals how to make your home as spotless as it is tranquil and peaceful.

For Buddhist monks cleaning well is a cardinal skill and, in A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind, readers will discover their never-before-shared cleaning pro tips. In the Zen Buddhist tradition, true enlightenment is impossible if your home has even a speck of dust and, as such, Buddhist monks have much to teach us lay people about achieving a truly Zen clean.

A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind features charming illustrations and step-by-step instructions on such essential household cleansing tips as:

First, Air It Out: Before cleaning anything Monk's first open the temple windows to purify the air and let the crisp morning breeze in.

Don't Procrastinate: 'Zengosaidan ' is a Zen expression meaning that one should put all their efforts into each day so they have no regrets. In the context of cleaning, this means don't put off cleaning those dishes you've left in the sink.

Remember to Put On Your Samue: Samue robes are worn by Japanese monks when they perform their daily duties of cleaning and looking after the temple. Easy to move in and to wash and care for, they are the perfect cleaning attire.

From cleaning up everything from your kitchen sink, toilet, and that pile of unidentified stuff in the corner of your garage to your mind, body, and spirit, this book will guide you in creating a home environment that will calm your thoughts and nourish your soul.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780143133339
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	12/24/2018
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	140,473
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Shoukei Matsumoto graduated from Tokyo University's School of Religious Studies and completed his MBA at the Indian School of Business. He is a Shin-Buddhist monk who operates the billingual higan.net Buddhism website, as well as the temple cafe. He was selected as one of the Young Global Leader Honourees by the World Economic Forum 2013.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Understanding Cleaning 1

Useful items 15

1 The Kitchen, Bathroom, and Toilet 35

2 Other Parts of the Home 49

3 Personal Items 67

4 Repairs and Maintenance 83

5 Outside the Home 93

6 Body and Mind 109

When the Cleaning is Finished 127

About the Author 136

Editorial Reviews

11/05/2018
The essence of Shin-Buddhist monk Matsumoto’s inspiring guide to decluttering is summed up in its opening declaration: “we sweep the temple grounds and gardens and polish the main temple hall” not “because it’s dirty or messy,” but to “eliminate the sufferings in our hearts.” There is much offered in the way of practical advice for, say, removing perspiration stains from a cotton shirt (use baking soda). But the power of the book comes from Matsumoto’s metaphysical reflections. When cleaning out old stuff, particularly something handmade or with sentimental value, he explains, the Buddhist way of cleaning means taking the time to feel grateful for a moment and “not handle things carelessly.” Then, pass the item along “to people who could use them, where they can have a purpose and shine again.” Matsumoto reveals cleaning as a kind of ritual, a “way to eliminate gloom from the mind” as well as grime from the kitchen sink. Readers despairing of the chaos awaiting them at home—whether in the form of an unmade bed or last night’s dishes in the sink—will take heart from this gentle, reassuring book. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly