Why should one bath while sitting in cross-legged position?

While sitting cross-legged on a stool, the body takes a spherical shape. Bathing further activates the consciousness awakened in the body, due to the application of oil and fragrant herbal paste. Due to the cross-legged sitting posture, this consciousness circulates within the body and the ill effects of Raja-Tama frequencies on the body are controlled.
The effect of bathing, while sitting on a stool:
This makes it clear that, bathing with standing position causes the vibrations, generated in the body through the Absolute Water Principle (Apa-tattva), to flow out through the feet. Whereas, bathing while sitting cross-legged preserves these vibrations within the body. As against this, bathing while standing directs the flow of consciousness in the body, from the feet towards the earth and the person is not able to get the desired benefit.
While showering in standing position, as the water flows from the body, the dirt on it too comes onto the ground. This impure water awakens the centres of black energy in the ground. A fountain of black energy springs up from the ground and once again, makes our body impure with Raja-Tama.
अत्‍यन्‍तमलिन: कायो नवच्‍छिद्रसमन्‍वित: ।
स्त्रवत्‍येष दिवारात्रौ प्रात: स्‍नानं विशोधनम्‌ ।। - दक्षस्‍मृति अ. २.७
This implies that, our body which has 9 apertures expels impurities throughout the day. Therefore, bathing early in the morning cleanses this impure body.
The subtle process of this act of cleansing the body, as explained in the scriptures is as follows: The Raja-Tama frequencies expelled by the body into the external environment through these 9 apertures disintegrate with the help of water. The body becomes capable of imbibing Sattvik frequencies through these apertures. This results in the cleansing of the body in the true sense.
Therefore, the scriptures have propounded that during the early morning bath, one should clean all these spots of the body, aided by the all-encompassing contact of water.

2. Effect of using soaps containing chemicals

Some people apply oil and fragrant herbal paste (Ubtan) prior to a bath; while others apply the paste while bathing. The use of soaps with chemical ingredients has become common today.
In soaps made of chemicals, synthetic ingredients are used. Their fragrances too are artificial. Such soaps are Raja-Tama predominant. Use of such soaps creates, at the subtle level, a covering of Raja-Tama around a person’s gross and subtle bodies. This covering attracts the distressing vibrations of negative energies. There is a possibility of distress to the person.

3. Actions to be undertaken after bathing

Bathing increases the purity (sattvikta) in a person. Whereas, expressing gratitude unto the Water Deity, results in increasing the Spiritual emotion (Bhav). As a result, a person is able to imbibe frequencies of God in a larger proportion.
After a bath, four-fold the cloth and wring it. After bathing at home, wring the cloth, with it’s corners facing the floor. If we have bathed at a water reservoir, then we should wring the cloth, with it’s corners facing upwards. Never place a wrung cloth on the shoulder.
After this achaman is performed

4. Significance of head bath, with clothes on, on incidental occasions

Incidental bathing means, bathing on certain special occasions. A person’s body gets cleansed through a bath, with clothes on in the following cases – after vomiting, a haircut, sexual intercourse, nightmares, contact with a menstruating woman; or after touching a corpse, those carrying a corpse etc.

5. Meritorious and Sin-destroying bath

The scriptures say that, in areas of pilgrimage, on specific planetary arrangements (Nakshatra), dates according to Indian calendar (Tithis), places and auspicious occasions, a bath is very important. Through such a bath, it is believed that sins are destroyed and merits are gained. For example,
Bathing with a specific intent (Kamyasnan): Kamyasnan is a bath with a specific intent, according to scriptural injunctions.

6. Alternative for bathe

At times it is not possible for the weak, elderly and the infirm to bathe. Then what is the alternative ? If we are not able to bathe, then we should bathe the part of the body below the head or wipe the body with a wet cloth. This is also a type of bath. Very elderly people or persons suffering from fever, indigestion, diarrhea, pain in the eyes and ears, disorders of the nervous system, disease of the eyes and the mouth should not bathe. Similarly, one should not bathe when very hungry or immediately after having a meal.

7. Sunbath

Under the influence of Western culture, a new type of bath – ‘Sunbath’ has come into vogue. According to the scriptures, it is more beneficial to sit under the heat of the sun and chant, as compared to a ‘Sunbath’.
Reason for sitting under the heat of the sun and chanting being superior to ‘Sunbathing’: Light heat of the sun is nourishing and beneficial for the body; but the subtle bodies of desire-oriented negative energies in the environment are attracted towards the person who sunbathes. The person may suffer distress. A sunbath may provide physical benefits, but there are none at the Spiritual level. As against this, by sitting under the light heat of the sun and chanting, we are able to imbibe more of the Purity (Sattvikta) and Divine consciousness (Chaitanya) of the sun; we benefit at both the levels – physical and Spiritual.

8. Why is regular Spiritual Practice (Sadhana) the only true ‘Bath’?

Bathing with water cleanses the external body for some time; Achaman for internal cleansing also lasts for a limited period. But, to become one with God, we have to maintain our Purity and for that we should make constant efforts.
Man should make a great deal of extra efforts to make his mind and intellect pure and virtuous, than he does to remain physically healthy. From the Spiritual viewpoint, a true ‘Bath’ is one that removes the impurities and disorders from the body and the inner-self (Antahkaran) of man. It is possible to achieve this through Spiritual Practice (Sadhana). There is a saying in Sanskrut,
न उदकक्‍लिन्‍नगात्रस्‍तु स्‍नात: इत्‍यभिधीयते ।
Meaning: Wetting the body-parts with water does not amount to a ‘Bath’. True ‘Bath’ is one, where the mind becomes Pure. In order to achieve this:

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