Ripples Through Faiths
Water is considered a fundamental element that is necessary for every form of life. It covers over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, and it’s the main component of the fluids found in all living organisms. Humans need water to survive, so it should come as little surprise that it plays an important part in many of the world’s religions. One of its most common uses is to clean, and in many faiths, water is used for actual and symbolic purification. Baptisms and christenings are well-known Christian rituals involving this fluid, transcending generations and cultures. Here are some rituals from other religions.
Hinduism
Pre-prayer cleansing with water is an important practice in the Hindu faith. Many temples provide areas for washing feet and hands prior to entering. Water is viewed as sacred, as many adherents believe that it has the power to purify and cleanse. India’s Ganges River is considered to be holy, and despite the lack of a formal ceremony, many believe that bathing there cleanses the soul. Visitors have been known to collect river water in bottles for later use, sprinkling it on themselves to purify before worship and prayer.
Buddhism
Buddhists view water as an emblem of life. It’s nourishment in its purest form and the means that holds nature together. Major virtues associated with this liquid include purity, clarity and calmness. The path of enlightenment must include cleansing of the body, mind and spirit. In Bhutan, Buddhist devotees practice yonchap, which involves making offerings of this fluid. This tradition has been around since the eighth century. Water is held up as an ideal for charitable giving, as it is thought of as free and abundant. Adherents retrieve clean water from springs in the morning and set up in seven bowls that signify seven elements of prayer:
- Prostrating or putting oneself in a position of submission and humility
- Making offerings to the Buddhas
- Confession of sins
- Rejoicing in the goodness of self and of others
- Requesting Buddhas to stay in the world
- Beseeching Buddhas to impart wisdom and understanding
- Committing the merits of self and others for the benefit of all
Water used for this purpose should be cool, clear, delicious, soft, light, odorless, soothing and easy on the stomach.
Islam
Muslims cleanse themselves with water before they participate in their five daily prayers. Mosques usually have a special room for this type of ablution. The ritual involves the washing of faces, feet up to the ankles and arms up to the elbows. A worshipper will also rinse out the mouth, nose and ears as well as wash the face. Known as Wudu, this cleansing of the body is analogous to the cleansing of the spirit offered by the prayer. One ritual can be used for multiple prayers, but visiting the bathroom or falling asleep requires another cleansing, as these activities are seen as unclean.
Judaism
Orthodox Jews participate in an activity called a mikveh, which involves immersion in a collection of water. This ritual is usually required ahead of conversion to the faith, marriage and Sabbath practices, and before resuming sexual relations after a menstrual cycle. This practice has gained popularity among non-Orthodox followers as a way to celebrate various rites of passage, including death, mourning and pregnancy, among others. Mikvehs can be held in natural bodies of water as well as manmade pools that incorporate natural waters. This ritual has been associated with purification as well as healing and calmness. Water is fundamental to life. It makes up most of the planet’s surface as well as the bodies of living organisms, great and small. This element is also central to many of the world’s oldest and most popular belief systems. Associated with purity, renewal and tranquility, water is something that unifies people from various backgrounds and cultures and that is evident in religion.