Significance of External environment
The concept of external environment varies across different philosophical and scientific perspectives. In Buddhism, it pertains to the world perceived by the mind during meditation, while Jainism considers it as the physical conditions impacting infernal beings' suffering. Yoga focuses on how external conditions affect disease manifestation. Dharmashastra addresses the surroundings related to specific bodily functions. Mahayana emphasizes external influences on mental state and cultivation practices. Science identifies these environmental factors as crucial in determining physical and mental health, particularly through seasonal changes.
Synonyms: Atmosphere, Context, Habitat, Milieu, Ecology, Setting
In Dutch: Externe omgeving; In Finnish: Ulkoinen ymp盲rist枚; In Spanish: Entorno externo; In German: Externes Umfeld; In Malay: Persekitaran luaran; In Swedish: Yttre milj枚
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'External environment'
In Buddhism, the "External environment" encompasses outside influences impacting mental states and practices, includes perceptions of the surrounding world, and highlights contradictions in self-awareness, as illustrated by Buddha's reference to Ananda's perception of his own eyes.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The outside influences and occurrences that can impact a person's mental state and cultivation practice.[1] (2) Buddha states that if Ananda could see his eyes, they would be part of the external environment, contradicting his claims.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The surrounding world as perceived by the mind, which is meditated upon in the developing stage.[3]
Hindu concept of 'External environment'
In Hinduism, the External environment encompasses both the physical space for bodily functions, necessitating specific coverings, and the broader conditions affecting disease manifestation and treatment throughout different times.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The surroundings or the ground where the acts of urination and stooling are performed, requiring specific coverings.[4]
Jain concept of 'External environment'
In Jainism, the External environment encompasses the physical conditions affecting infernal beings, particularly the extremes of heat and cold, which intensify their suffering and highlight the significance of environmental factors in spiritual suffering.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The physical conditions surrounding infernal beings that contribute to their suffering, including factors like heat and cold.[5]
The concept of External environment in scientific sources
The keyphrase "External environment" encompasses the surrounding conditions, such as climate and seasonal changes, that profoundly affect bodily functions, as emphasized by Ayurvedic practices, highlighting the interconnectedness of health and environmental factors.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) The world outside of the individual, which requires interaction for safe ambulation, and the use of external cues is important for controlling and adjusting walking kinematics.[6]