Significance of Skin
Synonyms: Epidermis, Hide, Dermis, Integument, Covering
In Swedish: Hud; In Dutch: Huid; In Finnish: Iho; In Spanish: Piel; In German: Haut; In Malay: Kulit; In French: Peau
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Skin'
In Buddhism, skin symbolizes the physical body’s protective barrier and is seen as an essential element. It also reflects the selflessness of bodhisattvas who are willing to give away even their outermost layer for the benefit of others.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The outer protective layer of the body, recognized as a crucial physical substance.[1]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) This is one of the parts of the body that the bodhisattvas give away.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Skin'
In Hinduism, skin is viewed as a vital sensory organ for touch, an outer animal covering, a connection to the soul representing feelings, and is highlighted in rituals, symbolizing the interplay between physical and spiritual elements.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) One of the five sense organs responsible for touch.[3] (2) The outer coverings of animals, included in the list of items subject to the sixth part.[4]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The reference made during the ritual when passing the hand around each cake.[5]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The skin is connected to the soul and serves as the seat of feeling, and the connection between the soul and the skin exists across the entire skin, which covers the whole body.[6]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is ruled by Saturn, describing the planetary rulers of body parts.[7]
Jain concept of 'Skin'
In Jainism, skin symbolizes a treasure associated with protection and luxury, highlighting its significance as a valuable resource stemming from the treasury, reflecting deeper philosophical meanings related to wealth and human experience.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Another treasure indicating protection and luxury, originating from the treasury.[8]
The concept of Skin in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Skin" relates to age assessment, indicating it is one of ten criteria that diminish incrementally over a decade, highlighting its role in the perception of aging and physical changes over time.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Skin is one of the ten criteria used for dividing age, which disappears one by one every ten years.[9]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The skin is what the hair grew on as it was healed, as described in the text.[10]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A reference to the organ, and it is the one centre of all touch, according to the text.[11]
The concept of Skin in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Skin" relates to its role as the largest protective organ of the body, encompassing layers like the epidermis and dermis, and highlighting its vulnerability to diseases and environmental damage, as recognized in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Skin is the outer covering of the body, and the bleeding emerged via the thinning of the skin in this case.[12] (2) This is the outer covering of the body.[13] (3) This is the yang part of the human body, according to Chinese traditional medicine, while the interior is considered yin.[14] (4) The skin is the largest organ of the human body, its surface is vulnerable to environmental insults, and it is a target for the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress.[15]