Title: A monk’s guide to a clean house and mind
Author: Shoukei Matsumoto
Date started & finished: AUG 2018, 1 day
Written on: 2019 JAN 22
Why I choose this book:
I have been meditating more or less on a regular basis for three years. I liked the idea of seeing cleaning as a meditative practise. I do find myself procrastinating with cleaning in order to work after so that I do not think about cleaning while I am working.
Book theme/ message:
Seeing cleaning as more then a chore. Rather it is a way to keep the heart and mind clear.
Personal connection: How does the book relate to me to me or my experiences?
Including my highlights passages and or quote.
In my home everything has a place, and I know where everything is. ( My things and the common Items. My partner’s items however I do not, as he take care of that)
I do have moment where I leave items laying around for a little too long. So I was curious to find a way to remove the lingering spread of items.
HIGHLIGHTED PASSAGES:
“…cleaning is greatly valued in Japanese Buddhism in general as a way to ‘cultivate the mind’.”
“Things become rubbish when they are treated as rubbish”
“People who don’t respect objects don’t respect people”
“Cleaning should be done in the morning”
“At the end of the day, make sure you tidy your surroundings before going to bed.”
“Cleaning and tidying are daily tasks, and what matters most is consistency.”
“Air things out
One must-do before cleaning is to open the windows to allow fresh air in. … The act of cleaning is a chance to communicate with nature.”
“ ‘Zengosaidan’ is a Zen expression meaning that we must put all our efforts into each day so we have no regrets, and that we must not grieve for the past or worry about the future. In context of cleaning to cultivate the mind, zengosaidan means ‘Don’t put it off till tomorrow’.
People today are busy, and we have all experienced going home tired, then leaving dirty dishes and laundry untended as we go to bed. But did you begin the next day feeling refreshed? … . When you go to bed thinking ‘Ugh … I still have those things but I’m too tired’, you retain this gloomy feeling in your consciousness all night.
Zengosaidan. This isn’t just about how you feel. … Eliminate the seeds that distract your mind with unnecessary thoughts… . The longer you neglect the impurities of the heart, the harder it is to remove them.”
What impact or impression has this book made on me?
I try to see cleaning more as a way to feel better, than something I must do. I also notice the difference once I have cleaned. Some how I feel lighter, more at ease at home and a smile creeps up.
How can I use this?
Use zengosaidan in my every day life
Why must I use this?
It will help me be more present and focus on what will move me closer to my goals instead of being distracted.
When will I use this?
Daily, and I will remind myself when I start feeling even just a little lazy
My recommendation of this book: [low 1 … 10 high]
Enjoyment: 10
Learning: 10
Easy to read: 10
Why: a small book of 130 pages quick and easy to read and loads to apply.
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