Śauca
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Śauca literally means ‘cleanliness,’ ‘purity’.
The Yogasutras of Patanjali[1] lists śauca or purity as one of the five disciplines under niyama, the second of the eight steps of yoga. It is of two kinds:
- Bāhya or external - It is achieved by cleansing the body.
- Āntara or internal - It is achieved by conquering the six-enemies like lust and greed.
It is interesting to note that the Manusmṛti[2] considers purity in financial dealings as the real or the best purity. The dharmaśāstras and the various smṛtis give a detailed account of āhnika or the daily routine of a dvija.[3] Śauca or bodily purity is an important part of the same.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore