1. Introduction
Hindu culture is enriched with Chaitanya (Divine consciousness). After studying various attires at the gross as well as the subtle levels, that is, by taking into consideration the spiritual perspective, Hindu Dharma has given importance to attires such as sovalē-uparaṇē, dhotī–kurtā. Instead of just thinking superficially about good looks and ease of wearing clothes, comprehensive and in-depth thought has been made by Hindu culture such as enhancing sāttviktā of the wearer, protection from negative energies, ability to imbibe Chaitanya and whether it aids in the efforts for God-realisation. In this article, let us understand the effect of sāttvik attire on the individual and importance of wearing full-sleeves kurtā by an ordinary individual.
2. Appropriate clothes according to the Hindu culture
Sāttvik clothes such as dhotī-kurtā, which are traditionally there in Hindu culture, not only increase the sāttviktā of the wearer, but also protect him from negative energy distress. In general, men should preferably wear sovalē-uparaṇē during religious ceremonies and on auspicious occasions, while dhotī-kurtā on other occasions. If it is not possible to wear a dhotī, wear a pyjāmā.
3. Difference between full sleeves kurta and half sleeves kurta
| Full sleeves kurta | Half sleeves kurta | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Vibrations | Saguṇ (Materialised) sāttvik | Nirguṇ (Non-materialised) sāttvik |
| 2. Nature | Congregation-oriented | Emission-oriented |
| 3. Level of emission | Emission of inferior Ichhā-shaktī (Energy of will) waves | Emission of Kriyā-shaktī (Energy of action) waves |
| 4. Ability | Purifies the body | Purifies the body as well as the surrounding environment |
| 5. Process | Note 1 | Note 2 |
| 6. Useful for | A. Ordinary people B. Individuals upto 50% spiritual level |
Seekers and disciples Individuals above 50% spiritual level |
| 7. Utility | The sāttvik ichhā waves that are attracted towards the full sleeves kurta protect the body from attacks of negative energies | Due to the waves of Kriyā-shaktī that are emitted by the kurta, a protective sheath is formed around the body, which makes it possible to repel the attacks of negative energies |
Note 1 – The wrists and the fingers are associated with Ichhā-shaktī, meaning, they are associated with the energy that supplies strength for movement while performing an activity. The contact of the sleeves makes that part sensitive and proves to be helpful for an individual while performing an activity.
Note 2 – The upper arm is more sensitive to Kriyā-shaktī waves. Since the sleeves of a half sleeves kurta touch the upper arm, Kriya shakti remains awakened, provides momentum to karma-oriented thought related to the activity, thereby, achieves the right blend of activity and karma (An act, action which gives rise to destiny).
4. Depending on the spiritual practice of the individual,
usefulness of wearing a full sleeves kurta or half sleeves kurta
4A. An ordinary individual, meaning, he who does not perform spiritual practice should preferably wear a full sleeves kurta
Waves of superior Principles are attracted towards a half-sleeves kurtā. Since an ordinary individual does not perform any spiritual practice, they do not have the ability to imbibe the waves of superior Principles; hence, they do not obtain any special benefit by wearing half sleeves kurta.
4A 1. If an ordinary individual wears full sleeves kurta, it helps the waves of Ichhā-shaktī, that dwell close to the earth in getting attracted towards them, and thus, these individuals obtain the strength to remain active and also they have the ability to imbibe these waves.Hence they should wear the full sleeves kurta
4A 2. Since ordinary individuals lack the ability to combat negative energies, they are protected from negative energies by wearing clothes that cover their whole body.
Hence, it is more beneficial for ordinary individuals to wear full sleeves kurta and a dhotī.
4B. Seekers and disciples should preferably wear half sleeves kurta
When seekers and disciples wear half sleeves kurta, their ability to imbibe and emit waves of superior Principles, that is, the waves of Panchatattva (Five Cosmic Principles) at the level of Kriyā-shaktī gets enhanced. Hence, it is more beneficial for these individuals to wear half-sleeves kurtā than a full sleeves kurta.
4C. The reason why it does not matter if evolved individuals wear clothes or not
Even if evolved individuals do not wear any clothes, there is very little possibility of them being attacked by negative energies since their bodies are full of Chaitanya; hence, they are free from any bondages. Therefore, it does not matter if they wear any clothes or not.
4D. Conclusion : It is better to wear clothes according to one’s own spiritual practice and the spiritual level.
Reference: Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy Text ‘Spiritually beneficial clothes for men’
