Concept of Jhoot (re: Jootha Food)

Hello everyone,



I wanted to see people views on the concept of jhoot. To prevent ambiguity let's be clear that the 'jhoot' I refer to is the one often associated with cleanliness and food hygiene. By that I mean that 'jhoot' is food that has been eaten by someone else, food that is 'infected' with saliva.

I was thinking that maybe jhoot is not meant to be taken literally. It was only in the (don't quote me) beginning of the 20th century that people began to take hygiene seriously? I don't really see the harm of eating food that contains jhoot.

As far as spiritual benefits of not avoiding jhoot go, again, if not taken literally, I have noticed that the jhoot contained in my own mind is more poisonous to my being than anything I can put in my mouth. Let's be real about this. If you look at a lot of the social/cultural norms and habits that you carry about, really look hard into them and meditate a lot, you will notice that a lot of what I would call 'jhoot' stains your day-to-day existence.

In the spiritual realm, sure it's all a part of the whole, but the jhoot I refer to is the most impeding.

So my thoughts are, that people who take jhoot to the extreme, and have their own cooking utensils, refuse to eat with non amritdharis and stuff, is taking it a little too far. I would call that narcissism.

And just the other day I saw a amritdhari child getting a veggie burger from a meat takeaway shop where I was eating. I see no problem with that at all. I just hope for his sake that he doesn't get a load of steel utensils and lock himself away from the world some day, that would be stupid.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/general-discussion/35196-concept-of-jhoot-re-jootha-food.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196

Your views would be much appreciated...




NinduP

 
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Cheers for the video, it has some good insights. I have no problems with jhoot, food hygiene yes, but not the literal jhoot.

What I was trying to get at was, that maybe this jhoot we are taught about, is a metaphor.

NinduP ji your phoenetics is wrong in what you are asking for if it helps,

• Jhoot or Jhooth
  • Lie, Telling lies
• Jooth
  • Leftover of food eaten by others

In Sikh Rehat Maryada the following is stated,



Sat Sri Akal.

Ambarsaria ji

This question of jootha food has been making the rounds of Internet forums, being asked in one and then another and then another. Some one or group is searching for clarifications. The confusion on this point arises because some sects, notably AKJ, say that amritdhari may eat food prepared by other amritdhari only. Prepared only in steel pots. Other ramifications follow. It causes confusion also in that unless it is made clear the AKJ have their own rehat that is different from Sikh Rehat Maryada, someone starting out on the journey does not know what to believe, is getting contradictory information, and has to shop around for a clear explanation.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196


To add: the idea that jootha may refer to a state of mind may be stretched. I don't know. But it is a sensible reaction to the overly literal interpretation of jootha that permeates a fanatical approach to Sikhism.

This kind of stuff does not pass the test of time either. There were no Amritdhari Sikhs before Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. Did they have such distinctions? I hardly think so. Were they bad because of it? Absolutely not.

As a matter of fact a "garib" or "poor person's" (poor in the sense of worldly goods) offering is placed on a pedestal in Sikhism. It reflects on the inside of the person that even with little that they have, they are offering you something.

Too much garbage all over.

Cleaning up, BIG JOB!

Sat Sri Akal.

PS: This indirectly relates to the practice in many families in Punjab where the lower caste were not allowed in the kitchens other than to clean dirty dishes, etc. It is much as Sikhs acting like Hindus or Muslims.

I suppose if such little things make you the "Wiseguy" or preacher and be served the best foods why not
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196

Just line such preachers and parchariks up and give them a spanking.

The concept of jhoota food has been borrowed from the brahmins! It is a Hindu concept and has seeped into some sects of Sikhism like so many other Hindu concepts.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196

The concept of jhooth goes against the basic principles of langar. Langar represents togetherness and equality. Jhoot is egotistical. There is no way it can fit in with Sikhi ideals as it means you are separating yourself from those around you.

"Jhoot" I manage a restuarant and i have indian workers who do cooking for me. Now when it is there lunch time some the indian ladies will not share the same veggies that came out of the dish that is kept for customers. Not onlly that the will not use the same utensle because of "jhoot" even tough no one has eatin out of it. They still believe that is jhoot.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196

Now i believe "jhoot" sends out A VERY WRONG message that is unequality.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35196

Question: can amritdhari's by the rules eat jhoot of another amritdhari?

Conversely the Amritdhari eating food of or sharing food with another Amritdhari is not considered a "Tankhayia" hence not a transgressor.

Other than as personal preference or hygienic reasons I find it pretty artificial concept.

All the food left by us is eaten by rest of the God's creation, so are we committing a sin/transgression or the poor God's creatures are doing so unknowingly!

Honey, cow's milk, food touched by flies, and many other food items will some how imply that eating animal jooth is OK but people jooth is taboo! Very strange and clearly illogical concepts.

Just my understanding.