The ancients seers established practices which were designed to make life more healthy and joyous.. For instance, in the past women were accustomed to making use of turmeric for cleansing the body. Turmeric was also used for adoring the threshold. This turmeric also has antiseptic properties. The use of turmeric served to destroy germs entering the houses. People today wish to substitute yellow paint for turmeric! The paint may look attractive, but has no antiseptic properties.

Thus, the ancients always had in view the inner purpose of each small practice which they prescribed. The use of Kumkum and turmeric by women was based on hygienic principles. (Swami recited a song composed by Him in His early in which He had lamented by replacement of Kumkum and turmeric by face powder). The application of turmeric helped to prevent the growth of hair on the face. By the giving up of these practices, diseases like Eosinophilia and asthma have spread among women. In olden days, people valued health as the key to happiness.

If we study the Indian culture; tradition in this manner, we will find that its emphasis was always on what was beneficial and good for the individual and society. (SSS Vol.24, pp. 266-267)