Gareth Young's Bohemian Lifestyle

Instructions for Cleaning the Bathroom

You, the person responsible for keeping the Zen Center bathroom, sink and toilet clean and orderly should be grateful in this time that you have the opportunity to be the Head of Purification, and to use the responsibilities of this position as a door to answer the question that was posed for Nyojo, and that is posed in life to every one of us. You should diligently pursue this question as you undertake these responsibilities, both as an opportunity to explore yourself, and as an opportunity to serve the sangha.

You should make a small bow to the toilet as you approach it to clean it. In cleaning the inside and outside of the toilet, which should be done weekly, you should urgently consider the question of the undefiled. You should clean the toilet thoroughly, just as you pursue this question thoroughly. The outside of the toilet, the cistern and the seat should be wiped clean with rags that should be kept on the floor level of the closet in the bathroom, and cleaning chemicals, which are kept in the same place. If you cannot find rags or chemicals, it may be that they have been moved, used up, or discarded. Spare rags are kept under the kitchen sink, and you can retrieve one from there as a replacement; chemicals are also stored under the kitchen sink and in the porch, and it may be that there are extra supplies there. If you still cannot find supplies, you can either purchase new, and seek reimbursement from the task coordinator, or let the task coordinator know, who will ensure that the person responsible for maintaining the communal supplies replaces them.

The inside of the toilet should be scrubbed with the toilet brush and with cleaning chemicals. The inside, outside and stand of the sink, along with the faucet should also be wiped clean with the cloth used on the outside of the toilet, and cleaning chemicals, with a small bow to the sink both before and after the cleaning. In the same way, if you perform this work mindfully, you are not “absent minded in your activities, nor so absorbed in one aspect of the matter that you fail to see its other aspects”, and you pursue Nyojo’s question, you will clean the inside and outside of your self. The cloth should be thoroughly rinsed clean in the sink before, and at frequent times during its use. Once the task is finished, the cloth should be thoroughly washed in the sink, wrung dry, and replaced in the closet, and the chemicals should similarly be put away, each in its proper place.

You must continue your diligence in the practice of our responsibilities as Head of Purification, and maintain a focused mind. This is an important responsibility, and you should make it the center of your practice as you clean the bathroom. One day, if you continue to practice in this way, the awakening to the true self will surely come to you.

You should also ensure that an adequate supply of toilet paper, soap, and paper towels is provided. In ensuring this you should consider undefiling. All the responsibilities of the Head of Purification are like this. You should ensure that the bathroom and facilities are kept clean, for although there is, “how can that which has never been stained or polluted be purified?” still we must fulfill our responsibility to the sangha to provide a harmonious environment in which the sangha members can practice undefilement. In providing sufficient toilet paper, soap, and so forth, you are simply preparing a harmonious environment, and providing the sangha members the ability to address this question. If conducted properly, the investigation of this question by the Head of Purification becomes the direct experience and investigation of this question by the whole sangha. Remember Dogen’s words, “a fool sees himself as another, but a wise man sees others as himself.”

In the same way, as Head of Purification you should replace the towels weekly, placing the used towels respectfully in the laundry basket located in the closet outside the bathroom, and retrieving clean ones from the cupboard in the bathroom. You should also take out the rug and shake thoroughly each week, and at the same time sweep the bathroom floor, and clean the mirror. Monthly a more thorough cleaning should be undertaken, when the floor should be mopped, and all aspects of the bathroom investigated to determine the need for further cleaning.

In saying “I know that which is not stained or polluted,” Nyojo had still not escaped from his opinions on stain and pollution, and was still trying to use a means of cleaning. Even though he had found there is no skin to shed or body or mind to liberate, he still stuck a dab of dirt on him as he spoke; that is why his teacher struck him. At this, his whole body broke out into a sweat, and he dropped off body and mind.

You should thoroughly investigate this incident, and you, too, will come to understand the full depth of Nyojo’s gratitude.