If we leave aside pathogenicity and hygiene from the concept of im-
purity, we uncover the underlying principle of impurity as ‘matter out of
place.’ This approach, according to Mary Douglas, “implies two condi-
tions: a set of ordered relations and a contravention of that order.’’^101 In
classical Yoga, the order that impurity contravenes is the proper relation
of puruÓsaand prakÓrti. PuruÓsashould have contact with prakÓrti only to
the extent necessary for the discrimination of itself from matter. Purity
then, means non-attachment to materiality. PuruÓsais eternally calm,
clear, and at peace, whereas prakÓrti is unconsciousness, ever agitated and
in tension. Entanglement in materiality is impurity. That which is sacred
is pure, in virtue of being undefiled by materiality and ignorance. Purity
in Yoga, in the most elemental terms, is realization of the primordial
wholeness of the spiritual Self.
Identity and Freedom
Medical health and spiritual health both entail freedom from limitations
and suffering, and the manifestation of one’s identity. Among Sanskrit’s
etymological reflections of the common meanings of healing and reli-
gious liberation is the verbal root √muc, ‘to free,’ the root of the word
mokÓsa, ultimate liberation. Muccan also be used in the sense of healing:
vy ̄adheÓh mucmeans to free a person from illness, and from accompany-
ing limitations and distress.^102
Freedom in Yoga entails liberation fromthe human condition with
its inevitable limitations and suffering, but, moreover, liberation tothe
realization of one’s true identity. Freedom in the physical domain has
both internal and external dimensions. Physical freedom in an outward
sense signifies absence of interference to a person’s exercise of choice and
action. Health is the inward dimension of physical freedom: health is
contingent in part on one’s vitality and inner resources to accomplish his
or her purposes. Actualized self-identity in the context of psychophysical
health means having the aspects of oneself functioning together so that
their integrity is preserved and one can act in ways that support thriving
and accomplishing one’s goals. Illness, on the other hand, entails interfer-
ence with physical and/or psychological functioning, and produces
symptoms causing temporary or permanent limitations in the functioning
of body and/or mind.
Liberation in Yoga is realization of Self-identity. Although attain-
ment of liberation in Yoga results in well-being and non-suffering, Yoga’s
ultimate goal is realization of a Self-identity that permits freedom from
136 religious therapeutics