There are two types of Soucham- Antarasoucham (Internal cleanliness) & Bahirasoucham (External Cleanliness).
In order to maintain hygiene or Bahirasoucham (external cleanliness), one must be aware of what one is doing; therefore there is an increased awareness in the individual. Since time immemorial, cleanliness has been addressed with varying degree of severity, from separation in certain times to strictures in different circumstances. Today, these are being followed to varying degrees by different people, but it is important that we understand how & why our elders thought it fit to impose these “Traditional cleanliness” rules.
In 1330s, a plague hit China and spread to Europe in 1347 and by 1351 had reached all corners of Europe & the Middle East. It had the effect of killing around 35% of Europe’s population (35 million people in 2 yrs). Overall, it reduced the world’s population from 450 million to between 350 & 375 million. During this time it was noticed that Jews, living in Ghettos, away from the village suffered lower deaths. This was on account of strict Rabbinical Laws on cleanliness followed by them. The water that they used was from the wells in their backyard & not the community wells, this lead to greater control over bacterial infection. Also, injunctions on personal hygiene & disposal of waste ensured that the carriers, rats were less likely to infect the community.
In India, there are strict rules for cleanliness, especially when eating. Indian’s eat only with the right hand. Eating from another person’s plate, something that has come in contact with your mouth, your saliva or your plate is not allowed and called 'jootha' (in North India), 'ushth' (in Western India), 'etho' (in Bengal), 'aitha' (in Orissa), 'echal' (in Tamil Nadu), 'enjulu' (in Karnataka), or 'engili' (in Andhra Pradesh).
In many parts of India, after touching food that has been cooked, one is allowed to ghee, milk, curds etc. only after washing.
It is also normal in many parts of India to separate utensils for cooking and utensils for eating.
Share your opinion and experiences
- Is cleanliness an important factor in achieving situational awareness and reduced stress?
- Cleanliness is next to Godliness… why did our ancients say it?
- What are your views on the Indian rules of hygiene?
- What is Internal Cleanliness? How does one clean one’s thoughts?
- How does one avoid internal pollution?
- Why is cleanliness given such a high priority in the scheme of self improvement?
- What is the impact of cleanliness in thinking and improvement?
- Which is better? Toilet paper or water?
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