Soji - Temple Cleaning

In our practice, Sōji (掃除) refers to the practice of temple cleaning with a focus on cultivating the mind and showing respect for one's environment. It is seen as more than just a chore and is a deep-seated tradition in many aspects of Japanese society. 

It is ingrained into our practice in the same way that zazen, study, and community participation are essential. Some Westerners resist this ritual, citing that they are not attending the zendo to clean the zendo. Soji is actually a spiritual practice: Buddhist practitioners practice sōji to develop humility, mindfulness, and a sense of collective responsibility. We participate equally, without regard to role or status, reminding us that we are no better, or worse, than any other practitioner in or out of the zendo.

At AZG we stopped doing weekly collective soji during the pandemic, formally cleaning only on workdays. With frequent zendo activity fully reinstated, we will put soji officially back in our schedule one evening, one morning and one Sunday each month. Don’t be surprised if the zendo managers invite you to stay and clean!