Significance of Cleansing
Cleansing in Hinduism encompasses various practices of purification across different contexts. This includes purifying the self from impurities related to death or rituals, ensuring spiritual and physical cleanliness, and preparing food in Ayurveda. Additionally, it involves internal purification methods, like purgation and emesis, in traditional practices. The concept also extends to Theravada Buddhism, where it is linked to the purification of actions and intentions as part of right livelihood. Overall, Cleansing signifies a vital aspect of maintaining purity and health in various traditions.
Synonyms: Purification, Washing, Sanitation, Detoxification, Cleaning, Decontamination, Refreshment, Renewal, Purifying, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, Rinsing, Scouring
In Finnish: Puhdistus; In Spanish: Limpieza; In Dutch: Reinigen; In German: Reinigung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cleansing'
In Buddhism, Cleansing encompasses the purification of actions and intentions through the practice of right livelihood, reflecting a commitment to ethical conduct and spiritual growth on one's path to enlightenment.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Virtue's untornness, unrent, unblotched and unmottled, comes about through seeing the danger of failure in virtue.[1] (2) A process associated with right livelihood that reflects the purification of actions and intentions.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Cleansing'
In Hinduism, Cleansing encompasses purifying food and drink, preparing the self and body for treatments, removing impurities, and ritual purification after death, all aimed at restoring spiritual and physical wellness.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The process of removing impurities from articles of daily use is referred to as cleansing, which involves various methods depending on the material and the type of impurity.[3] (2) The process of purification, often tied to the observance of rituals and observances after a death, to restore spiritual and physical cleanliness.[4]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The act of removing both outer and inner impurities, especially through the bath of ashes.[5]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The process of purifying food or drink, essential in Ayurvedic practices to ensure efficacy and safety in consumption.[6]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) The process of preparing the body for treatment, often involving the use of emetics and purgatives prior to administering vastis.[7]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Virechana is the process where the impure substance is cleansed and sifted, helping to remove adulteration, exemplified by the purification of Jiraka and Sarshapa.[8]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of purifying parts of the self before reclaiming them from the fire, death, or teacher.[9]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The text refers to cleansing hands while reciting verses, suggesting purification is important during certain rituals.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The purification process for containers involves the use of water, similar to how sacrificial containers are purified. However, if there are stains, additional cleaning substances may be necessary.[11]
The concept of Cleansing in local and regional sources
Cleansing serves as a preparatory step for rasayana, focusing on internal purification through techniques such as purgation, emesis, and dietary adjustments, which are essential for enhancing overall health and well-being.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) A preparatory process for rasayana, involving internal purification through methods like purgation and emesis, as well as diet.[12]
Classical concept of 'Cleansing'
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Cleansing is a custom that Crsus performed for Adrastos, following the manner of cleansing among the Lydians, similar to the Hellenes.[13]