Virtues Promoted By Dharma – Shaucha

By Author: Chaitanya Kumari
Total Articles: 186
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“Shaucha,” which can be translated as “cleanliness,” is a crucial virtue in Sanatana Dharma. Here, “cleanliness” could be slightly misleading. It is primarily concerned with external cleanliness covering personal hygiene and keeping the surroundings clean. But, “Shaucha” is a broader concept. It encompasses aspects of internal cleanliness, as well.

• Personal hygiene and maintaining a clean environment are of utmost value in Hindu Dharma. The importance of bathing daily, wearing clean clothes, and keeping food pure is emphasized in many ancient Indian texts.
• A crucial aspect of “Shaucha” taught by Sanatana Dharma is that the significance of “purity of mind” is on par with that of external cleanliness. “Purity of mind” can be called internal cleanliness, too. Cultivating noble traits such as honesty, compassion, fulfilling responsibilities, and self-restraint falls under internal purity. A person can be considered fully adhering to “Shaucha” only when they conform to all these aspects.
• Every human being carries a divine spark within. But, it gets concealed when an ...
... individual gets involved in worldly matters, as they grow up. One of the best ways to awaken this latent divinity is to follow the principles of internal purity, or purity of mind. A person then reaches a position where attaining spiritual growth becomes easier.
• Achieving real purity is not possible for people whose minds are always filled with hatred, anger, lust, fear, and pride. They are distant from internal cleanliness. Only by accepting their flaws and committing to self-improvement do they gradually come closer to “Shaucha.”
• Many scriptures of Hinduism highlight a salient aspect. When a person intends to live their life strictly according to Dharma, “Shaucha” is an element they cannot afford to ignore. All attempts to become a Dharmic individual will be futile if they disregard the principles of “Shaucha.” Adherence to the principles of both internal and external cleanliness is a basic prerequisite for adopting a Dharmic lifestyle.
• Nearly all sacred Hindu scriptures unanimously emphasize the importance of nature and the environment. Many rituals performed on various occasions express respect for nature through religious ceremonies. Therefore, practicing eco-friendly habits is naturally considered an essential part of “Shaucha.”
An individual who shows disrespect to nature by contributing to pollution is classed as Adharmic. Even if they maintain personal hygiene and keep their immediate surroundings clean, it is of no relevance. They are labeled as a person who violate the principles of “Shaucha.”
• There are also people who try to claim that one of these two—external cleanliness or internal purity—is superior to the other. And the fact is that both virtues have an equal standing. Choosing one at the cost of neglecting the other will not help the cause.
• When a person diligently follows the principles of “Shaucha,” they find it easy to maintain harmonious relationships with others. Their communications are clear and honest, leaving no scope for ambiguity. At the same time, they are well aware of where to draw boundaries. The personal space of others is respected. As a direct result of all that, their minds are always tranquil.

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