Significance of Weak
The term "Weak" carries varied meanings across different contexts. In Vaishnavism, it signifies vulnerable individuals needing support. In Purana, it denotes a state of diminished faculties. Ayurveda associates it with compromised health. Jyotisha uses it to describe a planet's influence in astrology. Rasashastra uses it to describe a leech unsuitable for use. Mahayana links it to helping all beings. Indian history uses it to refer to vulnerable populations needing protection, and a lack of strength. In health sciences, it indicates poor function.
Synonyms: Feeble, Delicate, Powerless, Ineffective, Soft, Tenuous, Infirm, Impotent, Deficient, Insubstantial, Sickly.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Weak'
In Buddhism, "Weak" represents an individual's role in aiding others. By associating with the weak, the average, and the able, one utilizes "expedient means" to assist all beings, demonstrating compassion and a dedication to their well-being.
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) When he stays with the weak, the average and the able, it is expedient means, which shows a commitment to helping living beings.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Weak'
In Hinduism, "Weak" encompasses several meanings. It describes a leech's condition, planets with diminished influence, vulnerable individuals needing mercy, and celestial bodies with reduced power. It also signifies loss of substance, lack of strength, stupefied faculties, and a planet's limited astrological impact. Furthermore, it can indicate compromised health or an inauspicious celestial alignment.
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Weak planets are considered to have less influence, and when the ruler of the year is weak, travel brings suffering, and if the ruler of the year is weak in the third or ninth house, it causes evil.[2] (2) If celestial bodies are in a weakened state, they may lead to the loss of power, and can also cause the cancellation of configurations for dominion.[3] (3) The degree of influence that a planet does not hold in an astrological chart, which can affect the outcomes of predictions, and it is used in conjunction with the aspects of the other planets.[4] (4) This describes a planet, and loss of its substance is indicated in the text.[5] (5) Describes the condition of celestial bodies, specifically the rulers of the ascendant and the matter sought, and this condition is a crucial element in understanding the characteristics of a dutthotthadabira configuration as explained in the text.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Weakness is a condition that individuals experience when their faculties are stupefied, alongside being made cheerless.[7] (2) This describes the individuals, indicating their lack of strength or resources, highlighting their vulnerability and the need for assistance.[8]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Weak is a descriptor for a leech that should not be used; the instructions specifically advise against using a leech in such a condition.[9]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals who may be vulnerable or helpless, deserving of mercy and support from the Lord.[10]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Individuals with compromised health who may be affected by tumors, requiring specialized care and consideration in their treatment.[11]
Jain concept of 'Weak'
In Jainism, "Weak" describes individuals lacking resilience. They are easily discouraged by hardships like cold, heat, or insults, unable to endure challenges.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Individuals who lack the resilience to endure hardships, leading to discouragement when faced with challenges such as cold, heat, or insults.[12]
The concept of Weak in local and regional sources
"Weak" encompasses various meanings: physical health, vulnerable populations in India, those needing help, and those unable to achieve spiritual ideals. It also signifies a lack of strength, people deserving more chances, and those Nietzsche's Superman disregards. It can also be a pejorative term.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the state of the author's health, which is described as a contributing factor in the decision-making process about where to live.[13] (2) The text emphasizes that we should give to the weak, and that the masses want the idea of the spiritual oneness of the whole universe, and the eternal grand idea.[14] (3) The text says that every social rule is for the protection of 'the weak', providing a historical context.[15] (4) The weak are people who may not be able to come up to an ideal, and who may be in need of sympathy and help from the strong.[16] (5) The author advocates for providing support to those who are vulnerable, which highlights the significance of aiding those in need.[17]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A pejorative term used by others towards Ramdas, representing their lack of understanding of his spiritual strength.[18]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Weak indicates a lack of strength or power, which is another way to describe the term Abala, according to the provided material.[19]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is the group that Nietzsche's Superman believes in dominating and squeezing the blood of, which shows a disregard for justice, believing in breaking all the laws and condemning benevolence.[20]
The concept of Weak in scientific sources
Weak, in the context of the HSSKS scoring system, signifies the poorest functional outcome. It represents the lowest category, reflecting a level of poor performance, as determined by regional sources.
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) The lowest category of outcome in the HSSKS scoring system, indicating poor function.[21]