Cleaning as a Path to Purify the Mind

Cleaning is more than a physical act; it is a way to cleanse the mind and heart. Shoukei Matsumoto emphasizes that engaging in cleaning activities like sweeping and scrubbing allows us to detach from worldly desires and attachments. By focusing fully on the task at hand, we practice mindfulness and cultivate inner clarity. As he notes, “We sweep dust to remove our worldly desires. We scrub dirt to free ourselves of attachments.” For example, a Buddhist monk attained spiritual revelation while repeating the mantra, “Clean off dust. Remove grime,” highlighting how simple chores can become profound spiritual exercises.