When it comes to decluttering, many people think of Japanese author Hideko Yamashita as the original guru of letting go. Yet Yamashita’s minimalist approach stems from a spiritual focus that is rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom.
It is easy to get caught up in the notion that the more we acquire, the better our lives will be. We’re reluctant to discard things we don’t need, leave relationships we can barely manage, and release feelings that have already exhausted us. Yet the more we accumulate, the less we are able to live freely.
Fortunately, ancient Chinese wisdom gives us all the tools we need to take back that freedom. From the fundamentals of philosophy, to faith and feng shui, let’s look at China’s long history of letting go.
Decluttering in the three Chinese schools of thought
As early as the 5th Century BC, Chinese philosopher Confucius emphasized simplicity in his teaching. He held that life was inherently simple, but we made it complicated with our own expectations and anxieties.
Confucius stressed moderation in desires and actions, and encouraged his students to cultivate qualities like honesty, humility, and self-reflection for a simple and meaningful life. By letting go of unnecessary thoughts and possessions, one can focus on what really matters: truth and virtue.
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Thus, 2,500 years ago, China was already paving the decluttered way.
Taoist thought continued with this theme. Laozi taught “The great way is simple,” and advocated for following the course of nature, or “living in harmony with the Tao” as a source of fulfillment.
Materially, one should avoid excess and live modestly. Spiritually, one should practice wu wei (non-action) — meaning that one should follow the natural rhythm of life rather than chasing one’s own whims.
The Tao Te Ching states: “The beginning of all things is the Tao, which is simple, but it evolves into complexity.” The simple life is the happiest. Excessive material desires, unnecessary social activities, and stressful relationships can suck the happiness out of life.
Feng shui, the popular system of geomancy for the harmonious organization of objects and space, is rooted in Taoism. Clutter obstructs the flow of qi, or vital energy, and can lead to imbalance, disharmony, negative energy and stagnation. Decluttering unnecessary objects in a home enhances well-being and harmony for all who enter.
When Buddhism was introduced to China between the first century BC and the first century AD, it brought Buddha Shakyamuni’s core teaching of non-attachment as the key to ending all suffering. Because clinging to desires and material possessions leads to distress, letting go of them allows one to experience peace and contentment.
The Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) himself abandoned his royal birthrights to pursue truth through a spiritual life. The raft parable, as told in the Alagaddūpama Sutta, illustrates the extent to which he preached non-attachment.
One who wants to cross a river builds a raft. Once he reaches the other side, he does not think “Oh, this raft was so useful, I should carry it with me.” Instead, he thanks the raft and lets it go. Shakyamuni meant that even his teachings were just a tool. If used well, they could lead one to enlightenment; but they were not something to be attached to.
By decluttering tangible things, one opens the door for profound, intangible change. Every act of reducing your possessions signifies letting go of attachments and starting life anew; this is the highest level of self-cultivation.
Famous Chinese figures who decluttered
There’s a saying: “Those who want everything end up with nothing.” A high-quality life is not complicated; it’s about returning to simplicity. The simpler something is on the outside, the more fragrant it is on the inside.
Liu Yuxi was a renowned poet and philosopher of the Tang dynasty. In Liu Yuxi’s humble home, moss spread up the steps, and the simple door curtain stood out against the green grass. Only a zither and a few books filled the room, yet his heart was full.
Tao Yuanming was a revered poet of the Eastern Jin dynasty, whose writing reflects a deep appreciation for nature. He enjoyed a pastoral life, planting beans at the foot of Nanshan Mountain. He spent his days enjoying the cool breeze, reading books, and playing the zither. He said, “There is a limit to how much one should do; excessive indulgence is not desirable.”
A truly self-disciplined person is a minimalist. Their soul is free, their mind is simple, their expression is concise. Not burdened by material possessions, they make quick progress on their own path.
In psychology, there is a term called the “sunk cost effect.” It refers to irrationally staying with an endeavor because of the time and effort that has already been invested. Many people are like this in relationships: they think they have given so many years of their youth and are unwilling to leave. This is emotional clutter.
Eileen Chang was a celebrated Chinese writer in the 20th century. She fell in love with another prominent writer, Hu Lancheng, and became his fourth wife. Due to his hopeless infidelity, however, she made the painful decision to end their relationship. Later, Chang found true happiness with American writer Ferdinand Reyher.
When you are feeling stuck with something that is not quite right, remember this Chinese saying: “If the old does not go, the new will not come” (旧的不去，新的不来” jiù de bù qù, xīn de bù lái).
The wise person knows when to let go; and the one who lets go gains wisdom.
Adapted from a translation of 断舍离是日本人的发明？中国古人早就想明白了.
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