A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind
Housekeeping Secrets from the World's Tidiest Monks
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4.0 • 32 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
Customer Reviews
Change your mindset with this book!
So good! Although some aspects where very monk specific when it came to details of cleaning tools... I found this was such a refreshing perspective on the importance of keeping a clean home. Totally changes your mindset. I needed this!
a mindful read
a great short book for being more thoughtful and thankful during all your activities throughout the day that you might take for granted.
Before Marie Kondo there were Monks
Matter-of-fact approach to keeping a tidy home as seen through the eyes of a simpler way of life. Modern day common practice of replacing items that break because it’s cheap and convenient to do so vs owning quality items lasting longer creates waste in the world but also relates to how we treat other things! Broken tv, replace! Broken relationship, replace!
Enjoyed most, TMI some, overall light and easy but informative read.