In short: modern minimalism isn't Buddhist, but it echoes the Buddha's teaching on non-clinging: "Let us live so very happily, we who have nothing. We shall feed on rapture, like the gods of sublime luminosity." (Dhammapada 200). For lay people, the Buddha didn't ask for owning nothing; he taught earning honestly, using wealth well and holding it lightly. Less clutter helps only if it means less clinging.
Happiness with nothing
"Let us live so very happily, we who have nothing. We shall feed on rapture, like the gods of sublime luminosity."
Dhammapada 200
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What is really "mine"?
"‘Sons are mine, wealth is mine’— thus the fool frets. For even your self is not your own, let alone your sons or wealth."
Dhammapada 62 · More: give up what's not yours.
Not poverty: wealth used well
The Buddha told lay people to earn honestly and use wealth for their family, friends, protection and giving. (Four good uses of wealth · advice on money and success) Minimalism in this sense is not owning less for its own sake, but owning without being owned.
Simple practices
- Give one thing away each week. (Generosity)
- Notice the wanting: before buying, pause and ask, "What am I really looking for?"
- Enough is enough: practice contentment.
- Declutter the mind as well as the shelf: three minutes of quiet a day.
Try it
Start with three quiet minutes: Practice.
Questions people ask
Is minimalism a Buddhist idea?
The modern minimalism movement isn't Buddhist, but it echoes the Buddha's teaching on contentment and non-clinging: 'Let us live so very happily, we who have nothing' (Dhammapada 200). For lay Buddhists, the point is clinging less, not owning nothing.