Sishtacharam

 Sistacharam – that which is followed by good/virtuous people

Saint Vyasa said: “Achara Prathamo Dharma: dharmasya prabhu achuta:”

Swami Vivekananda also said the word “Aachara” means cleanliness.

Adi sankara had emphasized the need for mental purity,

Ramanuja was of the opinion that one needed both mental purity as well as physical cleanliness.

What is Achara for anyone?

In tamil there is a saying, - “Aacharanayil varuvathu thaan Aachaaram”  That which is followed daily is called Aachaara.

Some easy Aacharams that can be followed are:-

·         Daily wear washed and sundried clothes.  Such a cloth is called Shubra vastram

·         Should never touch anybody at anytime even while talking or wishing

·         When giving aashirvaadam should not touch and only sprinkle akshatha(turmeric coated rice)

·         Should only eat in one’s own plate and not share the plate with others(You can share food but not combined and eat with others in the same plate).

·         When talking to Mahans should close mouth and talk so that, mouth smell/saliva don’t fall on them.(In temples, the one who brings the naivedya pot on his head on his anga vastram for the Lord, closes his mouth and nose for this reason)

·         At all times should only think of good people and good things like Deities, epics etc