Authentic self-help books resonate because their authors practice what they preach. Their words linger, inspiring action and creating lasting impact. In contrast, books by “false teachers” quickly fade into obscurity. Books that truly make a dent in the reader’s mind include titles like The 4-Hour Workweek, The Art of Not Giving a Fck, Daring Greatly, and Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts*. These books challenge our perspectives and encourage us to re-evaluate our lives.
But a monk’s guide to cleaning is akin to other books written by spiritualists, it transforms the mundane into the divine, embodying the motto: Qui laborat, cor levat ad Deum cum manibus. He who works raises his heart to God with his hands.
That’s the missing element in many modern how-to guides. Secular books often avoid the “big picture,” the spiritual dimension of daily tasks. Books by practicing spiritual teachers emphasize the whole, offering wisdom gained through experience rather than mere rote learning.
A monk diligently sweeping, showcasing the mindful practice of cleaning as a path to spiritual elevation.
The Downward Spiral of Neglect
My own experience highlights the importance of mindful practice. When I neglected my daily routines, my home descended into chaos. Overwhelmed and exhausted, I struggled to find meaning in my life. I knew I needed more meditation, but I felt too drained for the intense spiritual work it required. I stole brief moments for meditation, just enough to maintain a basic level of functioning, but far from the deep rest and restorative benefits of consistent practice.
I considered integrating meditation into my cleaning routine, similar to how I meditate while running, closely observing my breath and body. Having found my own spirituality, a blend of Islamic teachings delivered through the lens of Buddhist masters, I test new lessons by their applicability to different activities. If a tip works while running or writing, and whether I’m sober or drunk, it’s a keeper. So, what harm could come from following cleaning tips from a monk?
The Pitfalls of Untimely Advice
In Vipassana meditation courses, it’s advised not to attend during times of personal difficulty. Similarly, strenuous physical activity is discouraged when recovering from dehydration. I learned the hard way that you shouldn’t read a monk’s cleaning guide when you’re too tired to implement its lessons. Monks speak truthfully, write even more truthfully, and their words can sting if you resist their teachings.
Instead of feeling motivated to clean, I became demoralized. My ego bruised, the house felt overwhelming. I rebelled, creating more mess. Piles of dishes and laundry accumulated. I lived in squalor, neglecting even basic hygiene.
I should have waited until I was well-rested and felt loved and supported before reading the book.
A stack of unwashed dishes symbolizing the overwhelming sense of neglect and chaos.
Finding Redemption in Routine
Eventually, that moment arrived.
I found myself in a safe and nurtured space, ready to absorb the book’s wisdom. Daily transcendence felt attainable. The book described simple, achievable paths to enlightenment through mopping, sweeping, dishwashing, tidying living spaces, and making the bed at dawn, all combined with prayers and meditation in a well-ordered room.
Coming from a monk, who practices cleaning as a form of worship, these words carried weight. His dishes and toilets represented pathways to God. His waking moments were filled with reverence, and his sleep was in service to his body, the vessel through which he would reach عرش الرحمن, the Throne of God.
The Transformative Power of Cleanliness
Because his words resonated with truth, my house has remained tidy for over a week. I’ve been cleaning more often than before, living in a more respectable environment than the pigsty of the previous six months.
It’s too early to assess the impact on my spirit and mind, but I’m no longer paralyzed by self-loathing. Each cleaning session lifts the veil slightly, expanding my heart. Waking up to a clean living room reminds me that each day is a gift, every act of self-care is a blessing, and that I am worthy of these blessings.
A clean and organized living room that serves as a daily reminder of the blessings of self-care and a fresh start.
