Shauch is the first Niyam. The simple meaning of Shauch is cleanliness or purity. For purity the first thing necessary is water. We can remove the dirt from our body by taking a bath and can remain healthy. By drinking water, we can keep our internal organs clean. We can also clean the dirt of our neighbourhood with water. We can lead a pure life by purifying our mind and soul with good thoughts, by discarding all evil thoughts and by adopting and spreading good thoughts. About cleanliness Manu says:
“Water cleans the body, truth cleans the mind. Learning and penance clean the soul and knowledge cleans the intellect”.