Significance of Thinness
Thinness has various interpretations across different perspectives. In Vaishnavism, it describes a significant loss of body weight linked to stress or the sorrow experienced by cowherd boys. Rasashastra views thinness as a condition potentially improved with incinerated mica, while scientific definitions categorize thinness as a weight status where a child's weight is below healthy standards for their age and height. Each context offers unique insights into the implications of being thin.
Synonyms: Scantiness, Emaciation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Thinness'
In Hinduism, thinness signifies significant weight loss often resulting from stress, reflects emotional anguish as seen in the cowherd boys, and suggests relief through the use of incinerated mica essence.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A condition where there is a significant loss of body weight, possibly due to stress or emotional turmoil.[1] (2) The state or condition of being thin, which in this context refers to the diminished physical state of the cowherd boys due to intense sorrow.[2]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A condition that may be alleviated through the use of incinerated essence of mica.[3]
The concept of Thinness in scientific sources
Thinness is a weight status category indicating that a child's weight is below the healthy range for their age and height, suggesting potential health risks associated with being underweight.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This term is a weight status category, which indicates that a child's weight is lower than what is considered healthy for their age and height.[4]