A Monk’s Guide to a clean House and Mind, by Shoukei Matsumoto (2018)

This was a short book that was neatly organised into clear parts. Generally, Matsumoto would describe an item, explain how to clean said item, explain said item in the context of monk like and tie this all together with the general philosophies of Buddhist monks.

It covered practical cleaning areas like windows and kitchenware but also touches on more surprising topics like how to breathe and how to brush your teeth. In this way the book was novel, easy to get through and entertaining.

I liked the tone of the book. It was clear, simple and repetitive, helping readers easily connect with a core message which tied physical cleanliness and minimal consumption with not just spiritual cleanliness but the importance of managing desire.

I liked the philosophy, not just because many of the lessons I already subscribe too i.e. putting things in their own place, but also because it presented a holistic view covering many items and processes.

I did not like however the implicit conclusion of the book and found the eternal task of cleaning was unaccepting of any mess, as well as failed to be realistic in normal life. In fact, you could view the life free of trouble and cleaning all the time, not innovating or contributing to wider society in the pursuit of personal nirvana as selfish, however this is an extreme interpretation and when read with a critical mind this book is more useful than destructive.

I have already put some these actions into practice and have enjoyed the improved serenity from fresh air, a clean house and a manner of dealing with it all!