Speaker: Shoukei Matsumoto
Cleaning the Mind, Clearing the Heart
We sweep dust to remove our worldly desires. We scrub dirt to free ourselves of attachments.
Can sweeping the floor or scrubbing a sink unlock the secrets to a peaceful mind? For Shoukei Matsumoto, a Buddhist monk and author rooted in the Japanese Zen tradition, the affirmative answer lies in the profound simplicity of these acts. Armed with a broom and an ancient philosophy, Matsumoto has captivated minds with an unexpected revelation: cleaning isn’t just housekeeping—it’s soul-keeping.
An advocate for integrating timeless spiritual practices into modern living, Matsumoto's work transcends the temple walls, resonating with global audiences as he reimagines mindfulness through the lens of everyday routines. His bestselling book, A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind (translated into multiple languages), invites readers to reimagine daily chores as spiritual practice. By emphasizing that outer order fosters inner clarity, Matsumoto reveals how rituals of simplicity can help us navigate the chaos of contemporary life. It’s a “sweeping” idea with ancient roots: outer order creates inner peace, and every act of tidying can help us do away with the dust of worldly desires.
But Matsumoto’s journey wasn’t always so clear. As a young monk, he grappled with the challenge of making Buddhist teachings relevant in a fast-paced, materialistic world. How could centuries-old wisdom find a voice in modern times? His answer came not from lofty sermons but from the quiet rituals of temple life, where even the simplest acts of cleaning became lessons in mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion.
Now a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders and the founder of the Temple Morning, a movement revitalizing Buddhist traditions in Japan, Matsumoto continues to inspire with his call to simplicity, using his platforms to connect ancient wisdom with global issues. His work reminds us that in a world of endless distractions, we don’t need more things—we need less clutter, both in our homes and in our hearts. His message, rooted in gratitude and humility, serves as a reminder that a clean space can lead to a clean mind, making way for clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Today, Shoukei Matsumoto continues to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, teaching the world that mindfulness begins at home—with a broom in hand and a heart wide open. With every sweep of a broom, Matsumoto challenges us to pause and reflect: What if the path to enlightenment begins not with a meditation cushion, but with a dustpan?
Five Questions with Shoukei Matsumoto
What Makes You Come Alive?
I come alive whenever I can bring Buddhist teachings to life in simple, everyday momentsmoments that might seem trivial at first but actually hold profound meaning. As a Pure Land Buddhist in the Jodo Shinshu tradition, I focus on weaving spiritual insight into daily routines, whether through cleaning, mindful conversation, or community gatherings. I write books, offer talks, and facilitate workshops where I encourage people to pause, reflect, and notice how our smallest actions can open doors to greater self-awareness and compassion. It's in these ordinary rhythms of lifesweeping a floor, greeting a neighbor, sharing a cup of teawhere I find the most potent opportunities for transformation.
Pivotal turning point in your life?
A pivotal turning point was when I was a young monk tasked with cleaning our temple. At first, it felt purely like an obligation. Then, I started noticing how even sweeping the floor or polishing an altartasks easy to dismiss as mundanecould shift my inner state. I realized these small actions revealed deeper truths about impermanence and interconnection. Another key influence was an elder monk I studied under. He hardly spoke, but his calm presence radiated kindness and humility. Watching him attend to each person and chore with sincere care left a lasting imprint on me. Both the cleaning practice and his quiet example transformed my perspective on how seemingly modest acts can carry profound spiritual weight.
An Act of Kindness You'll Never Forget?
I've been sustained by countless acts of kindnessso many that I could never single out just one. Sometimes, I even mistook a helping hand for something negative, only to realize much later the quiet compassion behind it. Over time, I've come to see that kindness often reveals itself slowly, transforming what once felt burdensome into a gentle gift.
One Thing On Your Bucket List?
I would love to visit various communities around the worldmonasteries, ecological farms, urban meditation centersto learn how different cultures integrate mindfulness into their daily routines. I believe we can all benefit from sharing our practices, exchanging perspectives, and seeing how universal values like compassion and gratitude come to life in distinct contexts.
One-line Message for the World?
"Never underestimate the power of small, everyday actionsclean a corner of your heart and watch how it brightens the whole world."
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