The surface meaning of this teaching is straightforward: to find joy, you must divest yourself of things that hold no genuine value or importance. This implies a practical act of simplification, clearing out the clutter from your life.

However, within the Buddhist framework, the 'letting go' extends far beyond material possessions or trivial concerns. It speaks to the core of Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concept of *dukkha* (suffering) which arises from *tanha* (craving and attachment). The Buddha taught that our suffering is not caused by external events themselves, but by our clinging to them, our desire for them to be other than they are, or our aversion to them. The 'everything that does not matter' refers to the impermanent phenomena of existence – our thoughts, emotions, sensory experiences, and even our sense of self – which are all *anicca* (impermanent) and *anatta* (non-self). Clinging to these ephemeral aspects creates the illusion of a stable, enduring self and leads to dissatisfaction. True happiness, or *nirvana*, is achieved by understanding this impermanence and releasing the grip of attachment, thereby cutting the root of suffering.

In your life: Practice mindful observation of your desires and aversions, identifying which ones are rooted in a genuine need versus a fleeting craving, and gently release the latter.