Significance of External purification
External purification encompasses various practices aimed at cleansing the physical body using elements like earth and water across multiple traditions. In Purana, Yoga, Vedanta, and Dharmashastra, it includes rituals, acts of cleansing, and guidelines for maintaining hygiene and health. These practices often focus on restoring purity after periods of impurity. Additionally, from a scientific perspective, external purification relates to methods that support detoxification and balance, particularly in Ayurvedic treatments.
Synonyms: External cleansing
In Dutch: Externe zuivering; In Finnish: Ulkoinen puhdistus; In Spanish: Purificaci贸n externa; In German: Externe Reinigung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'External purification'
External purification in Hinduism involves cleansing impurities through physical acts, especially using earth and water. This process restores bodily purity and supports moral and spiritual practices, although it is seen as less impactful than internal purification.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The process or means by which certain impurities are cleansed using earth, water, or other methods as outlined in the text.[1] (2) Physical acts such as bathing and other rites that are necessary to restore purity after the days of impurity have ended.[2] (3) A physical act of cleansing, such as washing, distinct from spiritual purification.[3]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the removal of physical impurities and odors as per the revered practices.[4] (2) The rules and practices related to purifying the body externally, often with water and other substances.[5]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The process of cleansing the body using tangible elements like earth and water.[6]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The physical act of cleaning the body using natural elements such as earth and water to maintain hygiene and health.[7]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Purification practices involving physical means like water and earth for worldly purposes.[8]
The concept of External purification in local and regional sources
External purification encompasses rituals like baptism and practices aimed at spiritual cleansing, emphasizing the separation from negativity and the physical act of cleansing the body with water or earth to attain purity.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) External purification involves cleansing the body using water, earth, or other materials, like bathing, which is considered a necessary step towards achieving purity.[9] (2) External purification is what baptism is, symbolising the internal, and it is of Buddhist origin.[10] (3) The action of keeping aloof from the wicked, which is a step toward spiritual cleansing and achieving a state of purity.[11]