# Simplicity and cleanliness *Simplicity and cleanliness are fundamental qualities for spiritual advancement. Simplicity means freedom from duplicity — being straightforward in one's dealings with others. Cleanliness is both external and internal: external cleanliness involves bathing and keeping one's environment pure, while internal cleanliness means keeping the mind free from material contamination. Both are listed among the divine qualities and are essential for brahmanas and all spiritually inclined persons. Without cleanliness and simplicity, the mind cannot become fixed in meditation on the Lord.* ## Simplicity and Cleanliness Are Divine Qualities ![[bg/16/1-3]] ![[bg/13/8-12]] ## Cleanliness Is Austerity of the Body ![[bg/17/14]] ## Simplicity Is Austerity of the Mind ![[bg/17/16]] ## Cleanliness in Deity Worship ![[sb/4/13/28]] ![[sb/4/7/17]] ## Internal and External Cleanliness ![[sb/9/8/22]] ## Cleanliness in Spiritual Culture ![[sb/3/16/22]] ![[sb/7/11/21]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/cleanliness|Cleanliness]] — External and internal purity - [[index/entries/simplicity|Simplicity]] — Freedom from duplicity - [[index/entries/bathing|Bathing]] — For purification