Cleanliness

### The Timeless Wisdom of the Gita: Understanding Cleanliness in the 18th Chapter with Dr. M. A. Alwar

The Bhagavad Gita, often simply referred to as the Gita, is a timeless spiritual classic that continues to reveal new meanings to different students through the ages. Each chapter and verse holds layers of wisdom that apply to various aspects of life, guiding individuals towards a path of righteousness, self-realization, and inner peace. In our exploration of the 18th chapter, we delve into the concept of cleanliness or *saucham*, which is considered one of the essential qualities of a Brahmin. This quality, as outlined in the Gita, transcends mere physical cleanliness and extends to the mind, speech, and behavior, emphasizing a holistic approach to purity.

#### Physical Cleanliness: The Foundation

Physical cleanliness is the most apparent aspect of *saucham*. This includes maintaining a clean body, wearing clean clothes, and ensuring that our living and working spaces are tidy. Such practices form the foundation of cleanliness and are universally recognized as beneficial for health and well-being. For instance, taking a bath first thing in the morning is a revered practice in many cultures and is seen as a way to start the day with freshness and clarity.

However, the Gita teaches us that physical cleanliness is just the surface. It's akin to maintaining the hardware of a system, which, while crucial, must be complemented by a clean and efficient software for the system to function optimally.

#### The Cleanliness of the Senses

The five sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin—are gateways to the mind and significantly influence our inner cleanliness.

- **Eyes**: Cleanliness of the eyes involves controlling what we see. Viewing violence, cruelty, or explicit content like pornography is said to pollute the mind. Instead, immersing oneself in the purity of nature—mountains, rivers, trees—provides a healing and cleansing effect on the senses.

- **Ears**: The ears should be exposed to sounds that uplift the spirit, such as classical or devotional music, which instills a sense of peace and purity. In contrast, music that promotes negative emotions or violence is considered unclean.

- **Nose**: Cleanliness of smell pertains to avoiding unpleasant and unnatural odors, such as those from meat or chemical products. Natural and pure scents, like those from flowers or clean air, contribute to a serene state of mind.

- **Tongue**: The tongue's cleanliness extends beyond oral hygiene to include the quality of food we consume. Satvic food, which is fresh, pure, and prepared with positive intentions, is considered clean. Foods that are tamasic or rajasic, often processed and containing preservatives, are avoided.

- **Skin**: The skin should only come into contact with clean substances and people. This includes maintaining personal hygiene and being mindful of who we touch and embrace, ensuring those interactions are pure and respectful.

#### Cleanliness of the Motor Organs

The five motor organs—the mouth, hands, feet, anus, and genitals—must also be maintained in a state of cleanliness:

- **Mouth**: This involves clean speech. Words should be truthful and kind, adhering to the principle of *satya* (truthfulness). Gossip, flattery, and profanity are seen as unclean forms of speech.

- **Hands**: The actions performed by our hands should be intentional and virtuous. Cleanliness in this context means engaging in work that is honest and beneficial.

- **Feet**: Our feet should lead us to places that are morally and spiritually uplifting. Avoiding locations associated with immoral activities is crucial for maintaining this aspect of cleanliness.

- **Anus**: Proper hygiene and the regular elimination of waste are vital for physical health and overall cleanliness.

- **Genitals**: Cleanliness here involves sexual purity, encompassing celibacy or monogamy, and the practice of *brahmacharya* (self-restraint).

#### The Cleanliness of the Mind

The mind is the hardest aspect to cleanse, yet it is the most crucial. No matter the level of external cleanliness, if the mind is cluttered with negative thoughts, the overall purity is compromised. Ayurveda provides methods to cleanse the body and senses, but the Gita offers profound insights into cleansing the mind.

Mental cleanliness is achieved by controlling what we allow into our consciousness and cultivating positive, uplifting thoughts. Engaging in practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and reading sacred texts helps in purifying the mind. The quality of our thoughts and emotions directly influences our speech and actions, thereby completing the cycle of cleanliness from the inside out.

### Conclusion

The 18th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita offers a profound exploration of *saucham*, or cleanliness, extending beyond physical hygiene to encompass the purity of mind, speech, and behavior. By adhering to these principles, individuals can achieve a harmonious balance between the external and internal, leading to a more enlightened and fulfilling life. This holistic approach to cleanliness underscores the timeless wisdom of the Gita, providing guidance that remains relevant across generations.