Ear cleansing with the index (tarjanī) and thumb (aṅguṣṭha) fingers. This practice — which may seem obvious — had ritual and practical significance. Clean ears improve hearing and, symbolically, the capacity to “hear” the teachings.

The benefit of strengthening the sense of hearing (śravaṇendriya-vardhanam) connects the physical practice with the capacity to receive knowledge. In the tradition, attentive listening (śravaṇa) is the first step of spiritual learning.

The cleansing should be gentle; the ears are delicate.