Re: niṣṭhīva - spitting
namaste.
Some other habits that are detested (even chided) in orthodox South Indian brahmin families, even today, for reasons of health, hygiene and insulting the divinity include:
• Biting the nails, inserting a finger into the mouth, and other forms of smearing body parts with saliva.
• Using the left hand to pick up and eat food.
‣ Most Hindus use their left hand and wash with water after passing stools, instead of toilet paper.
‣ Ayurveda recommends some good amount of gargling after a toilet session, even if it is only urinating.
‣ Incidentally, squatting is the best position for passing stools as it expands and looses anus and rectum muscles, and quickens bowel movement.
• Not brushing the teeth in the morning on waking up (even if it is in addition to doing it at night).
• Using a bath tub: bathing is an activity, not a form of relaxation.
‣ Not using cold water for bath as far as possible.
‣ Incidentally, kaupInam--loin cloth, was the underwear for boys and men until some decades back. In Kerala, brahmins initiated into upanayanam wear it even today. Seems this traditional undergarment is likely to make a come back:
http://expressbuzz.com/topic/city-st...nt/280966.html
• Not washing the hands or gargling before and specially after a dining session.
‣ Sitting on the floor in the sukhAsana position is best for a meal session.
‣ Eating in a standing position or walking is frowned upon.
‣ Talking during a meal session, which should be silent, with concentration on the joyful experience of eating. Using a spoon or fork instead of hands, for eating.
‣ Sipping the water with lips pressed to the cup--instead the cup must be lifted and water poured into the mouth.
‣ Spitting near the plate to eject unwated food morsels is strictly prohibited; instead, the finger should be used to retrieve drop it.
• Scattering paper on the floor, tearing up paper unnecessarily, treading on paper, keeping the books and magazines in a shabby condition, reading a book by reclining on bed, letting dust gather on books and papers, are considered as insulting Goddess SarasvatI.
• Reading story books and comics on getting up in the morning, instead of some form of study, is disapproved. I remember reading during my college days in G.O.Trevelyan's
Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay, that reading poetry and novels during daytime was considered in their family as "drinking drams in the morning."
• Going late to bed (beyond 9 pm) and getting up late (beyond 6 am) were also considered nasty habits. Waking up into late night hours and getting up late (say after 7 am) are still considered as unhealthy, avoidable habits.
Methinks we can try to avoid some of these negative habits if we have them, and train our children to acquire their positives, for good.
रत्नाकरधौतपदां हिमालयकिरीटिनीम् ।
ब्रह्मराजर्षिररत्नाढ्यां वन्दे भारतमातरम् ॥
To her whose feet are washed by the ocean, who wears the Himalayas as her crown, and is adorned with the gems of rishis and kings, to Mother India, do I bow down in respect.
--viShNu purANam
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