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VASTRA DHAUTI
Vastra Dhauti (cloth cleansing) Preparation: A cloth is required for this practice which should
be clean and new. A finely woven, unstarched, undyed cotton such as white muslin is best. Synthetic material should be avoided. The fabric should be about 2Vit cm wide (no wider than the tongue or it will fold as it passes down the throat) and 3 metres long. After some months of practice the width may be increased to 5 or 6 cm and the length to 6/2 metres. Any frayed edges or loose threads should be removed. The cloth should be thoroughly washed and boiled in water before using. It should then be placed in a mug or bowl of lukewarm water. Salt may be added to the water but is not essential. The water keeps the cloth wet so that it slips smoothly down the oesophagus into the stomach. The cloth may be soaked in milk or even sweetened milk if it makes it easier to swallow. The same cloth may be used several times. After the practice, boil it thoroughly in hot water as it will be thick with mucus. Dry it well, preferably in direct sunlight, and store it in a clean place.
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