Nature has many mysteries in its make-up. Man is able to unravel only those that are cognisable through his five senses; he does not realise that there is a vast unknown beyond the purview of the five faulty instruments of perception that he has. For example, from every being and thing, constantly, without intermission, millions of minute particles and millions of vibrations are issuing forth. Certain substances like camphor emanate so much of these that a lump disappears in a few days. The bodies of others affect us by these emanations and we too affect them in the same way. For good or bad, we are interacting in this manner, inescapably. Naturally, the growth of the body is affected, as well as its health and strength, by the contact or company we develop.

These emanations are intensified when dirt accumulates, or sewage collects, or drains are choked. Sanitation rules are framed to reduce the possibility of disease spreading from such areas.

Five types of bath are prescribed in the Hindu scriptures, in order to maintain physical immunity from the emanations of others.

First, we have the ‘mud bath’, wherein fine mud is applied over the body and kept on for sometime before being washed away.

Second, the ‘sun bath’, is recommended, because the rays of the Sun are powerful disinfectants; they feed as well as freshen.

Third ‘bath in water’. If the water is a flowing river, considered holy, and if the bath is taken after propitiatory hymns etc., the bath will cleanse the body and, at the same time, elevate the spirit.

The fourth type is the ‘air bath’, when the body is exposed to the cool breeze, and, its salutary effect.

The fifth and last type is the ‘ash bath’, where the body is given a coating of fine ash or Vibhuti revered as the mark of Shiva. The ash guards the body from evil contacts and deleterious effects of the vibrations proceeding from others; it also sanctifies and purifies the vibrations of the individual wearing the ash, for, it reminds him always of the inevitable end of all that one feels as one’s own, except the Lord who is the very person himself. (SSS Vol.9, p. 129)