Just got done with some early spring house cleaning. Dusting, vacuuming and scrubbing. And I feel great! House looks good too.
Cleaning reminded me of time during sesshin at the Nebraska Zen Center. We would have Samu, or work period. I would look forward to it as it gave me relief from sitting on my ass for hours. It also soothed the pain in my knees and back. During samu we would clean the zendo. This included cleaning Buddha, scrubbing floors, toilets, raking leaves, cleaning altars and vacuuming zafus and zabutons. Work...it never felt so good.
There is an old Zen saying that 'cleaning clears away delusion'. I am a strong advocate for this saying. Next time you find yourself upset, no matter what it is, start cleaning. Doesn't make any difference what you clean. Just clean. Focus your mind on the details. Get into it! Notice how you feel when you are done.
Samu...it feeeels good!
Hands palm to palm,
Shinzen
photo: villagezendo.org
