Okay, so I have decided to embark on this 'minimalist' journey (or at least try to live more simply). Good for me. But for the sake of discussion, what the heck does minimalism have to do with Buddhism? Well, here are my thoughts on these concepts, as I understand them.
According to Buddhist beliefs, attachment is a major cause of suffering. In Pali (the language of the Buddha) the word dukkha loosely translates to 'suffering'. But the true definition of dukkha is much more complex, and generally represents the overall unsatisfactoriness of all things (for a much more thorough description on the subtleties of dukkha, please see this article from Access to Insight). Our attached mental grasping to all things pleasurable and comforting, and our belief that these things will or should last forever, conflicts with the fundamental truth that the universe is constantly changing. This contradiction of reality ultimately leads to suffering.
In terms of our personal belongings, the transitory nature of all things correctly predicts that the objects we own will eventually break down and wear out. Personal property can also be stolen or otherwise taken from us through natural or man-made disasters. If we are mentally tethered to our material possessions, these outcomes and events will make us suffer greatly.
These basic Buddhist concepts are a logical complement to minimalism, which (in terms of belongings) can be described as owning only what is needed. There are many examples of how minimalism manifests in the Buddhist tradition, but perhaps the most notable example is that Buddhist monks have few or no possessions, and traditionally carry only a set of robes, mala beads, and a bowl for alms.
However, as far as laypeople are concerned, there is nothing intrinsically evil about owning personal items, property, and even accumulating wealth. Buddhism just maintains the cautionary stance that suffering will occur if the mind allows attachment to material things, and that attachment can also beckon its stronger and uglier cousins, vanity, jealousy, and greed.
Honestly, I really don't think that one has to be a minimalist to be a 'good' Buddhist. It is all about our attitude towards material possessions and awareness of our own mental grasping. But given the concepts of attachment, impermanence, and the moral and spiritual dangers posed by ignoring them, minimalism (or at least simplifying) may be a completely natural response for some. As always, though, everyone has to do what is right for themselves.
May all beings be happy!
*****
I hope you have enjoyed this post. Please comment if you think I have missed something, or have other thoughts or experiences you would like to add. Thank you!
However, as far as laypeople are concerned, there is nothing intrinsically evil about owning personal items, property, and even accumulating wealth. Buddhism just maintains the cautionary stance that suffering will occur if the mind allows attachment to material things, and that attachment can also beckon its stronger and uglier cousins, vanity, jealousy, and greed.
Honestly, I really don't think that one has to be a minimalist to be a 'good' Buddhist. It is all about our attitude towards material possessions and awareness of our own mental grasping. But given the concepts of attachment, impermanence, and the moral and spiritual dangers posed by ignoring them, minimalism (or at least simplifying) may be a completely natural response for some. As always, though, everyone has to do what is right for themselves.
May all beings be happy!
*****
I hope you have enjoyed this post. Please comment if you think I have missed something, or have other thoughts or experiences you would like to add. Thank you!
