Significance of Purity
Purity, as defined across various religious perspectives, signifies a state free from impurities, sin, or contamination, essential for both physical and spiritual practices. In Jainism, it emphasizes cleanliness of body, mind, and spirit. Vaishnavism associates purity with moral integrity and the experience of divine aesthetics. Purana delineates external and internal purity vital for rituals. Similarly, Dharmashastra stresses the need for cleanliness in conducting sacred rites. Overall, purity is regarded as fundamental across traditions for achieving spiritual clarity and integrity.
Synonyms: Cleanliness, Innocence, Clarity, Chastity, Integrity, Simplicity, Virtue, Wholesomeness.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Purity'
Purity in Buddhism encompasses freedom from defilements, ethical living, and mental clarity. It reflects liberation, compassionate lifestyles, and a commitment to moral integrity, crucial for achieving deeper understanding and enlightenment on the spiritual path.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The concept of maintaining a clean and compassionate lifestyle free from the ethical complications associated with meat-eating.[1] (2) A state of being free from mental defilements and impurities, reflecting one's deeper understanding and enlightenment.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Achieved by considering dharmas free from bonds, according to the bodhisattva doctrine.[3]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A state devoid of defilements, representing spiritual clarity and moral integrity.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The state of being free from defilements or impurities, regarded as essential in attaining liberation in Buddhism.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A central theme in Buddhism that involves living a life free from moral impurity and attachment, sought after by the modest person in contrast to the shameless individual.[6]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A characteristic of kusala citta indicating freedom from defilements and attachment, resulting in a clear state of mind.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Purity'
In Hinduism, purity encompasses physical and spiritual cleanliness, essential for performing rituals and maintaining moral integrity. It signifies freedom from impurities and sin, enhancing clarity during aesthetic experiences and contributing to spiritual practices and worship.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The state Paravasu aimed to regain after his unintentional consumption of liquor, symbolizing spiritual and moral cleanliness.[8] (2) A key quality emphasized during Shraddha, encompassing aspects such as emotional and physical cleanliness.[9] (3) The quality of being clean in a spiritual sense, essential for achieving salvation and closeness to the divine.[10] (4) A state of being free from sin or moral impurity, often sought in religious practices.[11] (5) The state of being free from any impurity, which is essential for performing sacred rites and rituals.[12]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A state of cleanliness both internally and externally, free from desires and attachment, involving practices like bathing.[13] (2) The state of being free from impurities, vital for performance of rituals and maintaining spiritual integrity.[14] (3) A state of being clean and untainted, particularly in a spiritual context.[15] (4) The state of being free from sins, often sought through spiritual practices like bathing in sacred waters.[16] (5) A state of being free from impurities or sin, often achieved through meditation and sacred practices associated with holy places.[17]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A state of being free from sin or moral blemish, which is sought through various religious observances.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Ruru's state of being, which he offers as a means to restore Pramadvara's life through his spiritual merit.[19]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The state of being free from impurities or contamination, both physically and spiritually.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A state achieved through the confession of guilt, as described in the context of the congregation of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas.[21] (2) Maintaining cleanliness both in terms of physical hygiene and moral integrity, especially concerning food.[22] (3) A state of being free from impurity; in the context, it refers to the status achieved after the prescribed duration of impurity has passed.[23] (4) A state of being untainted or innocent, which the text claims women struggle to maintain without the ability to engage with sacred texts.[24] (5) A principle referring to both external cleanliness and spiritual integrity, achieved through avoidance of forbidden substances and associations.[25]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A necessary condition for conducting rituals, related to cleanliness and the state's appropriateness of participants and offerings.[26]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The state of being clean, both physically and spiritually, which is required before performing rituals.[27]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A quality that contributes to the proper conditions for experiencing madhura-rasa, indicating cleanliness or moral integrity.[28] (2) Indicates a state of cleanliness or untainted quality that enhances the vibhava; during an aesthetic experience, purity is essential for clarity.[29]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The state of being clean or free from impurities, both in a physical and moral sense.[30]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The state attained by individuals, including merchants and the fallen, when they become liberated from material constraints.[31]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A state of being achieved through the practice of ekantika-dharma and ekantiki bhakti, leading to eligibility for receiving Parabrahman's grace.[32]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The state achieved by the brahma priest through silence and mental focus; a necessary condition for effectively purifying the path of the mind.[33]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A state of being that is true to one's own nature, which is often confused by misperceptions of cleanliness and desirability.[34]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The state of being clean or free from dirt, which in this context relates to the perception that the body is inherently impure.[35]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A characteristic signifying cleanness or clarity, which also serves as a means to express degrees of excellence or quality.[36]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) A necessary state of spiritual cleanliness and moral integrity that is highlighted in the Holy Master's explication of righteous conduct.[37]
Jain concept of 'Purity'
In Jainism, Purity is interpreted as freedom from sin and contamination, encompassing bodily, mental, and spiritual cleanliness, and prompting discussions on dharma's essence, alongside the state of the palya as devoid of impurities.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A dharma principle that signifies cleanliness in body, mind, and spirit.[38] (2) A concept debated in the context of Coksha's teachings regarding the meaning and source of dharma.[39]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The condition of the palya when it becomes empty and devoid of hair-tips.[40]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The state of being free from sin or contamination, often linked to the use of water or food.[41]
The concept of Purity in scientific sources
Purity encompasses maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene, essential for optimal health as per Ayurvedic principles, highlighting the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness in overall well-being.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) The practice of maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene, which is crucial for optimal health according to Ayurvedic principles.[42]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) An assessment of whether the drug contains contaminants or other undesired substances.[43]