Significance of Cleanliness
The concept of cleanliness is multifaceted across various philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it critiques the ascetic understanding of purity. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes maintaining a clean environment for spiritual growth, while Vaishnavism highlights freedom from impurities. Purana underscores the importance of physical and mental purity in devotion. Yoga integrates internal and external purity for self-discovery. Similarly, Dharmashastra views cleanliness as essential for rituals. Overall, cleanliness is associated with both physical hygiene and spiritual clarity, promoting overall well-being.
Synonyms: Hygiene, Tidiness, Purity, Sanitation, Sterility, Spotless
In Dutch: Schoonheid; In Finnish: Puhtaus; In Spanish: Limpieza; In German: Sauberkeit; In Malay: Kebersihan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cleanliness'
In Buddhism, Cleanliness is a vital quality stressed by the Teacher, signifying the importance of a tidy environment for spiritual practice and the necessity of purity during the recitation of the Atanatiya Paritta.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A quality emphasized by the Teacher, as the disciple is instructed to maintain a clean environment for the spiritual practice.[1]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The state of being clean which is emphasized in the context of the reciting process for the Atanatiya Paritta.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Cleanliness'
In Hinduism, Cleanliness embodies both external and internal purity, emphasizing hygiene, mental clarity, and spiritual readiness. The principle of Saucha illustrates the importance of maintaining cleanliness for devotion, meditation, and performing rituals effectively.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Purity in practices and lifestyle, which is essential for a proper offering to be received.[3] (2) A principle emphasizing purity required for performing religious rituals, highlighted through the act of sipping water.[4] (3) The practice of maintaining hygiene through the cleaning of utensils, floors, and other household items.[5] (4) The state of being free from dirt and maintaining personal hygiene, which is a virtue in these teachings.[6] (5) Refers to acts starting from the washing of private parts and culminating in the sipping of water, essential for one's purity.[7]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A key aspect of Vedic rituals and laws signifying physical and spiritual purity, essential for performing duties correctly.[8]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) External and internal purity achieved through the consumption of pure things and the removal of mental impurities.[9] (2) The state of being clean, which serves as a key aspect in the process of self-discovery and detachment from the physical body.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Saucha, a principle emphasizing both external and internal purity important for spiritual practices.[11]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A state of hygiene that is promoted through the chewing of betel leaves.[12]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Physical and mental purity that supports a conducive environment for meditation.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The state of being free from dirt and impurities.[14]
Jain concept of 'Cleanliness'
In Jainism, Cleanliness encompasses a critique of ascetic purity ideals, as discussed by Sujyeshtha, highlighting a moral philosophy that emphasizes the importance of inner and outer cleanliness as integral to ethical living.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Concept discussed by Sujyeshtha, critiquing the ascetic's idea of purity, reflecting a philosophy regarding morality.[15]
The concept of Cleanliness in local and regional sources
Cleanliness, as highlighted in the text, is an essential value for Gandhi, linking physical hygiene to spiritual purity and emphasizing the importance of societal responsibility in fostering a healthy community.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An essential value for Gandhi, equating physical cleanliness with spiritual purity and societal responsibility.[16]