Cleanliness is next to Godliness--SP

67-10-03.Nan  Letter: Nandarani, Krsna Devi, Subala, Uddhava

...I am always with you. Our procedure is very simple and consistent. We
chant, we read from Bhagavad-gita & Srimad-Bhagavatam and we
distribute prasadam.
  Another thing I request is that everything in the Temple should be
kept nice and clean. Everyone should wash hands before touching
anything of Krishna's. We should always remember that Krishna is the
purest & similarly only the pure can associate with Him. Cleanliness
is next to Godliness.  Your ever well-wisher
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

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71-07-08.Lak           Letter: Laksmi Narayana              So you must live up to the rules and regulations of brahminical
life. First and foremost is cleanliness. In your country they have so
many filthy habits. For example, they don't wash after eating. A
brahmana does not do like that. If he did so in India, he would be
highly criticized. So even if you eat a little, still you must wash
immediately. And the place that you eat at must be washed off
immediately also. In this way.
   A brahmana's name is suci, or one who is clean. In the toilet room
wash with water and wash your hands with soap. Then wash feet, face
and mouth. Your cloth must be washed daily, especially any cloth used
to sleep in. In the kitchen also, things should be kept spotless and
cooking should only be done by brahmanas; others may assist. That is
the same procedure followed with Deity worship. So these are some of
the points to note in Brahminical life. Keep yourself clean outside by
bathing, etc. and clean inside by chanting Hare Krishna Mantra. Go on
in this way and your rapid advancement in Krishna Consciousness will
be certain.   Hoping this will meet you in good health.

 

Your ever well-wisher,

 AC Bhaktivedanta Swami

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70-03-20.Ruk               Letter: Rukmini               

 

  Deity worship means to be very, very clean. You should try to bathe
twice daily. The Deities should never be approached without having
bathed first and changed to clean cloths after passing stool, etc.
Keep teeth brushed after each meal, fingernails clean and trim. Be
sure that your hands are clean before touching anything on the altar
or the Deities. And cleanse the Deity room, altar and floor daily
thoroughly. Shine the various Aratrik paraphernalia after Aratrik.
This is described in the booklet for pujaris written by Silavati Dasi.
The idea is summit cleanliness--that will satisfy Krsna.
   Regarding your dream, it is a great blessing to you that Krsna
warned you. So you should never be negligent. Always be careful, then
in due course you will feel the Bhava.
   Please offer my blessings to your good husband, Bharadraja. I hope
both of you are in good health.

 

Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami