Significance of Impurity
Impurity is a multifaceted concept in various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it signifies a separation from pure consciousness and the taint of unwholesome actions. Jainism highlights it as 'ashuci', referring to defilement. Tibetan Buddhism associates impurity with unclean spirits, while Purana discusses it as a lack of purity in the human body. In Yoga, it relates to obstructive qualities hindering understanding. Vedanta views impurity as a defining world characteristic, while Shaivism sees it as inner evil to confront. The theme spans moral, physical, and ritual uncleanliness, significantly influencing spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Contamination, Taint, Dirtiness, Uncleanliness, Adulteration, Corruption, Filth, Pollution, Pollutant, Imperfection, Defect
In Dutch: Onzuiverheid; In Finnish: 贰辫盲辫耻丑迟补耻蝉; In Spanish: Impureza; In German: Verunreinigung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Impurity'
Impurity in Buddhism encompasses various aspects, including lack of recognition of pure dharmas, mental obstructions, moral defilements, and kleshas that hinder enlightenment, ultimately highlighting the challenges in attaining a clear understanding of reality.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The restrictions or obstacles that cloud the mind and understanding, which are absent in the state of apratihatacitta.[1] (2) The state of being affected by kleshas, which the saints must overcome in order to attain enlightenment.[2] (3) Ashuci, or impurity, is acknowledged when pure dharmas are not recognized.[3]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The state of being separated from pure consciousness; represents the challenges in understanding the true nature of reality.[4]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The condition of being tainted by ignoble deeds in bodily, verbal, and mental actions.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Impurity'
In Hinduism, Impurity encompasses various states of uncleanliness related to food practices, life events, and spiritual conditions. It signifies spiritual decay and moral blemishes that individuals seek to overcome through purification rites and adherence to religious duties.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Spiritual contamination that prevents individuals from participating in religious rites, often associated with specific sins or actions in life.[6] (2) The state of being unclean as it pertains to religious or cultural food practices, often due to contact with sinful people or creatures.[7] (3) A state of ritual or ceremonial uncleanliness resulting from specific events, such as death or childbirth.[8] (4) A state of ritual uncleanliness that results from performing certain actions, such as carrying a dead body or conducting burial rites.[9] (5) A state resulting from birth or death events among relations, with specific durations of purification varying by caste.[10]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A state that disqualifies an individual from studying the Veda, often linked to physical or ritual cleanliness.[11]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A state of spiritual or ritual uncleanliness caused by reasons such as association with the unclean or by certain life events.[12]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The obstructive qualities stemming from rajas and tamas, acting as a veil over the pure essence of consciousness.[13]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The condition that arises from reliance on sensory experiences, which limits understanding.[14]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The defining characteristic of the world, indicating its nature of being made up of pleasure, pain, and dulness.[15]
Jain concept of 'Impurity'
In Jainism, impurity, or 'ashuci', signifies defilement or uncleanliness, highlighting a key aspect of the belief system focused on purity and the avoidance of actions that compromise spiritual cleanliness.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Defined by 'ashuci', this feminine noun captures the concept of defilement or uncleanliness.[16]
The concept of Impurity in local and regional sources
Impurity encompasses both moral and physical uncleanliness, serving as a vital theme in the discussion of existence and choice, highlighting the complexities of human nature and ethical dilemmas in the text.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A state of moral or physical uncleanliness, which is a central theme in the text regarding existence and choice.[17]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a negative aspect that, along with sin, can be removed by striking the spiritual light within, allowing a person to become enlightened.[18]