hot shower is like embracing a woman

[Guest guest]

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

 

Mithila Prabhu,

 

Below, Srila Prabhpada says that a cold shower is just common sense and good

hygiene. Nowhere does he mention stri-sangha!

 

Srila Prabhupada Uvaca: True Speech after 12 years of Following

by Srutakirti Dasa

========================================================================

"Rising early and taking a cold shower is not austerity, but just common

sense and good hygiene," Srila Prabhupada said.

 

In the following quote: cleanliness is next to Godliness is established, and

having short (or shaven) hair is also cleanliness.

 

SB Lecture 7.9.10 - July 10, 1968

=================================

So samo-damas-tapa-saucam. Saucam means cleanliness, hygienic principles, to

take bath thrice, at least once, daily. Therefore to keep no hair is better.

You wash, there is no question of moisture in the hair. And those who have

got big hairs, they cannot take daily bath. But if you keep your

bald-headed, there is no trouble. Saucam. So bathing is required, taking

bath daily, saucam.

 

Bathing is essential, whether with warm water OR cold:

 

SB Lecture 7.12.2-April 13, 1976.

=================================

One should take bath three times. In India there is no difficulty. Even in

Western countries you have got very good arrangement, hot water and cold

water. You can arrange and can take bath. This is essential.

 

Here, Srila Prabhupada sets a good example for the sanyassis to follow:

 

Room Conversation with Sanyassis -- March 15, 1974.

===================================================

I was taking early bath. Now I do not take, because due to my health.

Otherwise regularly I was taking. Not even hot water. Regularly. This hot

water bath I have begun in your country, otherwise I have never taken. Even

in severest cold. Here also I am trying to avoid. I am keeping tub of water

sunshine. Whatever little warm may become, that’s all.

 

Here is something on a warm bath versus cold bath:

 

Pacaratra Pradipa, Vol. 1. Benefits of an early morning cold bath

=================================================================

The scriptures describe the benefits of taking a cold bath early in the

morning. Such a bath can purify even a sinner, for it has the power to wash

away all external and internal contaminations. Whereas a warm water bath

cleanses physically, cold water revitalizes the subtle body, removing the

influence of sleep and dreams as well as of evil-minded persons. The cold

bath also gives strength, sensitivity, longevity, effulgence, and purity.

Taking an early-morning *cold bath* [my emphasis] increases one’s knowledge

and determination and affords peace of mind. It removes unhappiness,

lamentation, degradation, and bad thoughts. In short, it counteracts all the

ill effects of sin.

 

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,

 

Nayan.