Significance of Cleansing
Cleansing, in Hinduism, is the act of purifying the self, often required before reclaiming parts from fire, death, or teachers. The Purana describes it as a process tied to rituals following a death to restore spiritual and physical cleanliness, emphasizing the removal of both outer and inner impurities, notably through ashes. In Ayurveda, cleansing refers to purifying food or drink, which is essential for ensuring efficacy and safety in consumption, highlighting its importance across different contexts.
Synonyms: Purification, Sanitation, Detoxification, Cleaning, Refreshment, Purifying
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 signifies the purification of actions and intentions as part of right livelihood, emphasizing a transformative process aimed at achieving spiritual clarity and ethical living.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A process associated with right livelihood that reflects the purification of actions and intentions.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Cleansing'
Cleansing in Hinduism encompasses the purification of the self, food, and both inner and outer impurities. It involves rituals post-death, and practices like bathing in ashes, aimed at restoring spiritual and physical cleanliness.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The act of removing both outer and inner impurities, especially through the bath of ashes.[2]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The process of purification, often tied to the observance of rituals and observances after a death, to restore spiritual and physical cleanliness.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of purifying parts of the self before reclaiming them from the fire, death, or teacher.[6]