In Ayurveda, Sharirika Sadvritta refers to the physical conduct and ethical guidelines that govern an individual's lifestyle, promoting overall well-being and harmony. These codes emphasize cleanliness, discipline, and a balanced lifestyle, essential for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Here's an elaboration on each aspect mentioned:

1. Daily Hygiene Practices

• Bathing Twice a Day: Bathing is essential for physical and mental purification. It helps remove dirt and toxins from the body and refreshes the mind.
• Cleaning Excretory Passages and Feet Frequently: Regular cleaning of the body, especially the feet and excretory passages, is vital for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections.

2. Grooming and Attire

• Cutting Hair, Shaving & Nail Cutting: Recommended to be done thrice a fortnight to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene.
• Wearing Untorn Clothes: Clothing should be clean and intact, symbolizing respect for oneself and others.
• Cheerfulness and Use of Flowers/Fragrance: A positive mindset is encouraged, along with the use of pleasant scents and flowers to enhance mood and create a welcoming environment.

3. Oiling and Smoking

• Daily Application of Oil: Applying oil to the head, ears, nose, and feet is believed to nourish the body and promote relaxation. It can also prevent dryness and promote overall health.
• Resorting to Healthy Smoking: While modern health guidelines discourage smoking, Ayurveda refers to the use of specific herbal preparations that may have medicinal benefits when used properly.

4. Eating Rituals and Etiquette

• Wearing Precious Stones: It is considered auspicious to wear gemstones, which are believed to have protective energies, while consuming food.
• Ritualistic Bathing and Offerings: Bathing before meals and making offerings to deities, ancestors, and guests show gratitude and respect, enhancing the spiritual aspect of eating.
• Purification Practices: This includes applying fragrances, washing hands, and cleaning the mouth before eating, ensuring a pure and mindful approach to nourishment.
• Proper Sitting Position: Facing north while eating is encouraged, as it aligns with Vastu Shastra principles, believed to enhance energy flow and promote good digestion.

5. Mindfulness and Environment

• Mental State During Eating: One should eat with a calm mind, avoiding stress, and negativity. Consuming food in a clean, peaceful environment contributes to better digestion and assimilation.
• Avoiding Contaminated Food: Consuming food served by enemies or in unclean conditions is discouraged, as it can negatively affect health and wellbeing.
• Stale Food and Specific Restrictions: Guidelines on avoiding stale food, certain foods at night, and specific combinations (like curd at night) are based on Ayurveda’s understanding of digestion and bodily rhythms.

6. Natural Urges and Conduct

• Respecting Natural Urges: Individuals should not ignore natural urges (urination, defecation) and should fulfill them promptly to prevent discomfort and health issues.
• Avoiding Inappropriate Public Behavior: It is considered disrespectful to perform bodily functions in the presence of sacred elements (like fire, water) or during auspicious activities.

7. Exercise and Footwear

• Exercise Guidelines: Discontinuing exercise before fatigue is important to prevent overexertion and injuries.
• Footwear Considerations: Footwear should be suitable for the individual’s physical structure, the season, and the nature of their work, promoting comfort and health.

8. Posture and Eating Conduct

• Proper Posture During Eating: It is important to eat in an upright position to facilitate proper digestion. Sitting with a straight back allows for optimal organ function and promotes a sense of mindfulness during meals.
• Mindful Eating Practices: Engaging fully with the act of eating—chewing food thoroughly, savoring flavors, and avoiding distractions (like television or mobile devices)—can significantly enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. This practice encourages a deeper connection with food and promotes appreciation for nourishment.

9. Dietary Guidelines and Restrictions

• Avoiding Contaminated or Dishonorable Food: Food that has been handled by those with negative intentions or served in unclean conditions can carry adverse effects. The intention behind food preparation and its sources are as crucial as the food itself.
• Specific Dietary Restrictions: Ayurveda emphasizes avoiding stale foods, particularly those such as meat, salad, dry vegetables, and fruits. Certain items like curd are advised against at night due to potential digestive issues. Additionally, the consumption of roasted grain flour should be accompanied by ghee and sugar to aid digestion.

10. Rituals and Offerings

• Eating with Rituals: Engaging in rituals before meals, such as offering food to fire (Agni) and reciting mantras, creates a sacred atmosphere. These practices serve to purify the food and elevate the act of eating to a spiritual level, enhancing both physical and emotional well-being.
• Importance of Sacred Water: Sprinkling food with sacred water (often from a clean source) before consumption is another purification ritual that helps in maintaining the sanctity of the meal.

11. Interactions and Environment

• Surroundings During Meals: Eating in a serene, clean environment is crucial. Avoiding crowded or chaotic spaces helps maintain a calm mind, promoting better digestion. The presence of supportive, disciplined companions during meals can enhance the overall experience.
• Respecting Sacred Spaces: Individuals should refrain from performing bodily functions in the presence of sacred entities or during auspicious rituals, as this is seen as disrespectful and may lead to negative consequences.

12. Connection with Nature

• Aligning with Natural Cycles: Eating seasonally and locally is encouraged to maintain harmony with nature. Foods should be consumed based on their natural availability, which aligns with the body’s needs and digestive capabilities throughout the year.
• Understanding Dosha Influences: Each individual has a unique constitution (dosha) that dictates their dietary needs. Recognizing one’s dosha and adjusting food choices accordingly fosters a balanced lifestyle and optimal health.

13. Personal Conduct

• Cheerfulness and Attitude: Maintaining a positive and cheerful demeanor not only benefits individual health but also influences those around. A positive attitude can enhance social interactions and create a supportive community.
• Engaging with Flowers and Fragrance: Utilizing flowers and pleasant scents in daily life uplifts the mood and creates a harmonious atmosphere, essential for mental clarity and emotional balance.

14. Comprehensive Footwear Guidelines

• Choosing Appropriate Footwear: Footwear should reflect personal comfort and be suitable for the physical structure of the body. Seasonal adaptations ensure that feet remain protected and comfortable, which is crucial for overall health.
• Adapting to Local Conditions: Understanding the local geography and climate when selecting footwear can significantly enhance comfort and functionality, promoting an active lifestyle.

Conclusion

Sharirika Sadvritta serves as a holistic guide for integrating physical health and ethical conduct into daily living. By adhering to these principles, individuals cultivate a lifestyle that promotes not only physical cleanliness but also emotional and spiritual well-being. This comprehensive approach fosters positive relationships with oneself and the environment, aligning with the Ayurvedic philosophy of balance and harmony. Implementing these practices can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life, rooted in respect for the body, mind, and spirit.