Significance of One son
The term "One son" holds various meanings across different cultural and religious interpretations. In South Asia, it can symbolize the firstborn prince of a royal couple, the sole child in a family, or the good son among siblings in Tibetan Buddhism. In Vaishnavism, it emphasizes the importance of a singular child in a mother's life and loss. This phrase also signifies vulnerability in Purana, and reflects beliefs about lineage in Dharmashastra. Ultimately, "One son" encapsulates differing values regarding lineage, loss, and familial structure throughout these traditions.
Synonyms: Single son, Only son, Lone son, Only child
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'One son'
In Buddhism, "One son" symbolizes the exemplary qualities of the good son among three, highlighting the importance of virtue and positive attributes that lead to spiritual growth and moral development.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to the good son among the three sons, emphasizing the focus on his positive attributes.[1]
Hindu concept of 'One son'
In Hinduism, "One son" signifies various interpretations including limitations on lineage, vulnerability of the only child, singular significance in familial roles, and cultural beliefs surrounding adequacy in offspring, encapsulating diverse perspectives on progeny.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the singular offspring of the speaker, highlighting that they have only a single child.[2] (2) Refers to the singular child that Shri Yashoda has, highlighting the importance of this child in her life.[3]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the sole remaining child of mother Shaci, highlighting her sense of loss and urgency.[4]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the Brahmana's only child, emphasizing his vulnerability.[5]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Titikshu had only one son, named Ushadratha.[6]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The limitation placed on the number of sons that may be begotten from a particular type of ritual, emphasizing a specific rule of conduct in lineage continuation.[7] (2) A commonly held belief among cultured people that having just a single son is inadequate, often equated to being without children.[8]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) This indicates that the sage has only one child, which is a result of his specific form of worship.[9]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The chosen option by Shivaguru and Aryamba to have a singular son who would possess surpassing wisdom but have a short lifespan.[10]
The concept of One son in local and regional sources
The term "One son" encompasses three distinct interpretations: the sole offspring of the Raja and dewan married young, the firstborn of the King and Queen, and a child from a man's first marriage after his wife passed away.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Each of the Raja and dewan had a single son who was married in infancy.[11] (2) The child that the man had from his first marriage, left to him after his wife's death.[12]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The first child of the King and Queen, referred to as the Prince.[13]