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A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind
A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind
Oct 25, 2024 10:41 PM

Author:Shoukei Matsumoto,Adam Sims

A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind by Shoukei Matsumoto, read by Adam Sims.

We remove dust to sweep away our worldly desires. We scrub dirt to free ourselves of attachments. We live simply and take time to contemplate the self, mindfully living each moment. It's not just monks that need to live this way. Everyone in today's busy world today needs it.

The Zen sect of Buddhism is renowned for the cleanliness of its monks, but cleaning is greatly valued in Japanese Buddhism in general as a way to cultivate the mind. In this book, I introduce everyday cleaning methods typically employed in temples, while sharing what it's like to be a monk in training.

This book will improve the condition not just of your own mind, but also the people around you. I hope readers will discover that cleanliness is an opportunity to contemplate oneself.

Audio updated as of February 2018.

Reviews

The most unusual self-help book of 2018 ... There is something surprisingly calming about just reading the book, hearing Matsumoto's simple instructions and admiring the clean pen drawings of Japanese sandals and brooms

—— Jane Fryer , Daily Mail

A bestseller in Japan, this charming book offers practical cleaning tips as well as fascinating insights into the Buddhist approach to life, which counters the wastefulness of modern society with a respect for spaces and objects that is deeply humane ... Ideal preparatory reading for the January clean

—— PD Smith , Guardian

The Enemy Within is such a comprehensive analysis it should be on the school syllabus as seminal ... It is only through the likes of Sayeeda Warsi that the UK stands any chance of establishing the social cohesion it needs with its Muslim population

—— Sir Alan Duncan

Eloquent ... Calm and clever reflection

—— Andrew Marr

Uniquely insightful

—— Tim Shipman , Sunday Times

A unique perspective on British multiculturalism

—— Afua Hirsch , Guardian

The Enemy Within is vital reading for decision-makers in Whitehall and Fleet Street. It shows that we need more of the quality that terrorists signally lack: empathy with those different from ourselves

—— Sameer Rahim , Telegraph

A hard headed, well-informed and intellectually coherent analysis of policy towards British Islam. Much of what Baroness Warsi reveals is deeply shocking. Again and again it turns conventional wisdom on its head. It deserves to promote a public debate on this subject which has been needed for more than 20 years

—— Peter Oborne

Timely and thoughtful

—— Jenni Russell , Sunday Times

[Warsi is] a trailblazer ... [She] writes with conviction

—— Spectator

Sayeeda Warsi's integrity, intelligence and deep understanding of the challenges confronting the Muslim communities, the government and wider society make this a politically charged and invigorating read. A vital book at a critical time

—— Helena Kennedy QC

Sayeeda Warsi traces the recent travails of British Islam through her own remarkable journey from a working-class childhood in Yorkshire to a seat at the Cabinet table. She is an unsparing critic, whether of Muslims who practise intolerance or media-driven politicians who find virtue in "non-engagement". But the conclusion of this thoughtful and passionate book offers hope amid the gloom: with fresh policies and a dash of courage, the beast of division can be starved, and Britain strengthened to make its way in the world

—— David Anderson QC, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

The book is a masterpiece of fine writing and wisdom. It is timely and much needed in rebutting the myths and fears that spread Islamophobia. It reaffirms the values of equal citizenship, free speech and the rule of law in our multicultural society. It is a wake-up call and a manifesto for politicians and media in combatting religious and racial discrimination

—— Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC

Compelling brave and honest

—— Shazia Awan (Broadcaster and Activist)

The Enemy Within has a refreshingly balanced approach - constructive critique of Muslim communities and government - and workable recommendations

—— Salma Yaqoob

Engaging , thought provoking and a must read book by a trailblazer

—— Qari Asim (Leading UK Imaam and Member of HM Government's Sharia Review)

A gut-wrenching and relentless experience...Farida's story needs to be told.

—— Catherine Philip , The Times

A powerful description of a world ripped apart... Farida tells a story that is testament to how toxic violence can be born of religion.

—— New Statesman

This is a mesmerising study of human cruelty and a brave depiction of the monsters that arise when reason sleeps.

—— Oliver Thring , Sunday Times

It’s a shattering, brave, enraging book but also a stirring story of survival.

—— Sunday Express

An unflinching account… This is one of those rare volumes that offers astonishing insights into the human spirit… A catalogue of horror is made bearable only by her extraordinary courage.

—— Joan Smith , Observer

Although a harrowing story it is also an uplifting one as it is truly a triumph of the human spirit over terror.

—— Frank McGabhann , Irish Times

This is a brave, harrowing but necessary book.

—— Colette Sheridan , Irish Examiner

Farida's story needs to be told

—— The Times

Truly a triumph of the human spirit over terror

—— Irish Times

This is one of those rare volumes that offers astonishing insights into the human spirit

—— Observer

A compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control

—— Guardian

Mesmerising

—— Sunday Times

Timely, excruciating and important.

—— Bookseller
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