This is sort of a question for Paul (but I hope anyone with ideas will answer too) based upon his statement that he is in search of living with a pure heart.

What is purity, pure, purify, purification?

I am internally resistant to those words.  Maybe it comes from my Christian background.  It makes me think of those  passive air filters that collect black stuff from the  air.   And then God comes along and wipes the black stuff from your heart.

I just suspect that somehow the black stuff is part of one's purity, or should be accepted somehow.  Or maybe it's that I would hate for anyone to feel impure.  Or perhaps it is balled up in the idea of sexual impurity--which is usually used in an unfair way.

Or maybe it is because I am not a very tidy person, and I am defensive.  Erg.

Anyway, please tell me all about what you mean by purity and why it is important. 

Thank you in advance.

http://www.marlysmagazine.com/strips/bigcomeekp0.gif

by Rumi

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.