Significance of Self-purification
Self-purification is a significant concept across various spiritual traditions, referring to the process of cleansing oneself from impurities, desires, and sins to achieve higher states of understanding, consciousness, and spiritual enlightenment. In Jainism and Vaishnavism, it involves meditation and devotional practices, respectively, while Purana elaborates on rituals and inner resolutions for personal cleansing. Other traditions, such as Vedanta, Shaktism, and Theravada, emphasize overcoming ignorance and moral impurities to reach spiritual growth. The idea also resonates in the historical context of India and philosophies like Gandhi's, advocating for personal and societal reform.
Synonyms: Self-cleansing, Self-improvement, Self-discipline, Self-renewal, Self-healing
In French: Auto-purification; In Dutch: Zelfreiniging; In Finnish: Itsepuhdistus; In Spanish: 础耻迟辞辫耻谤颈蹿颈肠补肠颈贸苍; In German: Selbstreinigung; In Swedish: 厂箩盲濒惫谤别苍颈苍驳; In Malay: Penyucian diri
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Self-purification'
Self-purification in Buddhism encompasses overcoming personal flaws and maintaining morality through spiritual practices, essential for cleansing the soul of impurities and achieving enlightenment, reflecting the Buddha's teachings on ethical living throughout life's stages.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The process of overcoming personal flaws and stains, leading to spiritual cleanliness, as encouraged by the Buddha.[1] (2) The process of cleansing one's soul from impurities and sins through spiritual practices and ethical behavior, essential for achieving enlightenment in various ascetic traditions.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The process an individual engages in to maintain morality and avoid wrong deeds throughout life stages.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Self-purification'
Self-purification in Hinduism encompasses various practices aimed at cleansing from sin and ignorance, facilitating spiritual growth, enhancing awareness, and preparing for worship through devotion, rituals, and disciplined efforts towards personal and inner transformation.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of cleansing oneself from sin or moral impurities, often through prescribed spiritual practices.[4] (2) The act of cleansing oneself from sin or offense through physical acts, such as exposing oneself to danger or harm.[5]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The process prescribed for individuals who have committed offenses, which includes actions such as suicide or ritualistic penance to seek forgiveness.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The process of cleansing oneself of impurities, leading to divine knowledge and enlightenment.[7]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The process of cleansing oneself of desires and impurities to attain higher states of consciousness.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The process of cleansing oneself from impurities through sincere devotion and service to God.[9]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The initial process in Sadhana which involves cleansing both the body and mind to achieve a higher state of spiritual awareness.[10]
Jain concept of 'Self-purification'
Self-purification in Jainism involves the soul removing karmic impurities to gain deeper understanding and enhance religious practice, primarily through meditation and correct conduct, as exemplified by Balashri's efforts in this journey.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The process of cleansing oneself of impurities through meditation and correct conduct, which Balashri pursues.[11]
The concept of Self-purification in local and regional sources
Self-purification encompasses personal and societal transformation, seeking purity, ethical living, and social responsibility. It is central to Gandhi's philosophy, emphasizing introspection, repentance, and spiritual cleansing to achieve true freedom and collective growth.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A theme in the Buddhist text that emphasizes the removal of evil for spiritual growth.[12] (2) The process through which nature and the self undergo transformation to attain purity and union with the divine.[13] (3) A concept of personal and spiritual cleansing advocated by Gandhi, which Moorthy adopts as part of his commitment to ethical living and social responsibility.[14] (4) The process undertaken by Hindu Society to cleanse itself of past injustices and work towards a better social order.[15] (5) The process of atoning for sins and regaining purity through sincere repentance, exemplified by Ahalya.[16]