In the Japanese Zen tradition, cleaning is called “Osoji” and appreciated as a path to cultivate one’s mind. In fact, for a Zen Monk, Soji is a core practice in and of itself. Monks put as much time into practicing osoji as they do into practicing Zen meditation: Daily they sweep the temple grounds, pull weeds from garden patches, polish hardwood floors and scrub walls in temple building. These tasks are not done because they’re dirty or messy. They sweep the dust to remove their worldly desires. They scrub the dirt to free themselves from their attachments.
We do not, you know, clean the restroom just because it is dirty. Whether it is clean or not, we should clean the restroom until we can do it without any idea of clean or dirty. If so, that is actually our zazen practice.
Shunryu Suzuki
This practice is not only about cleaning but also about purification, renewal, and preparing for a fresh start. It’s much more than just tidying up; it’s a ritual of clearing away the old to make space for the new. In addition, osoji practice informs its practitioner that the task of cleaning is never completed. Just as leaves still fall after being raked up, desires begin to accumulate moments after “refreshing” your mind. The need to continue cleaning the discontent in your life–osoji practice embodies how it will never end.
For this challenge, change your daily housework into an opportunity to contemplate yourself. You don’t need to be a Zen monk to glean the mental benefits of purifying your space every day. Assign a section of your home to each day this week. Take 5-10 minutes daily to clean that designated section.
For example, you can devote Monday to cleaning your office, Tuesday to cleaning your kitchen, Wednesday to cleaning your bathroom, etc. The benefits are two-fold: You have a clear mind at the end of each micro-cleaning session, and you no longer must devote weekends to major cleaning. I recommend that you have your own ritual when you start cleaning. In my case, I place hands palm to palm then chant a short mantra while working. Below you will find some of my favorites:
“Clean the space, clear the mind.” This mantra emphasizes that as you clean and declutter your physical environment, you also clean and declutter your mind.
“With each sweep, I release.” This mantra reflects the idea of letting go — both of physical dirt and emotional or mental clutter.
“Polish the surface, purify the spirit.” This mantra highlights the connection between external and internal purification, seeing cleaning as a means of spiritual renewal.
“One breath, one movement, this moment.” This mantra helps you stay grounded in the present moment, aligning your breath and actions to create harmony in both your surroundings and within yourself.
Each of these mantras can serve as a gentle reminder that cleaning is more than just maintaining physical space — it’s a pathway to inner calm and mindfulness.
Itadakimasu!