Significance of External object
The term "External object" encompasses items or entities existing outside of oneself, influencing physical senses and mental states across various philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedanta. In Buddhism, it refers to phenomena perceived as illusions and distractions from spiritual progress. Jainism views external objects as potentially distracting material possessions, while Vedanta perceives them as entities that do not influence the true self. Ultimately, this collective perspective emphasizes the challenge posed by external objects in the pursuit of inner peace and self-awareness.
Synonyms: Foreign object, External factor, Outer object
In Dutch: Extern object; In Finnish: Ulkoinen esine; In Spanish: Objeto externo; In German: Externes Objekt; In Swedish: Externt objekt; In Malay: Objek luaran; In French: Objet externe; In Finnish: Ulkoinen objekti
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 object'
In Buddhism, "External object" refers to physical entities outside oneself that trigger cravings. These objects influence perception and cognition but are debated in terms of their independent existence and their role in mental processes and experiences.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An object that exists outside of one's mind, which is apprehended and reflected upon cognitively.[1] (2) The item or entity that is perceived outside one's consciousness, whose existence and recognition are debated in correlation with cognition.[2] (3) An outside entity that is perceived, which may lead to misconceptions about its existence or nature.[3] (4) An entity or thing outside of the mental realm that is not directly denoted by words, as suggested by some interpretations of repeated usage.[4] (5) An entity that is supposedly cognised by perception, though disputed by Idealist philosophy.[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Items that stag lung thang pa bkra shis dpal perceived as lacking substantiality during a moment of contemplation.[6] (2) Physical phenomena that contribute to defilements through attachment and wrong conception.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Things perceived outside oneself, which are taught to be illusions in certain teachings.[8] (2) Phenomena outside oneself that are discussed in terms of their non-creation by an external entity and perceived as manifestations of mind.[9] (3) The entities perceived outside of oneself, which are perceived as uncertain and non-specific manifestations.[10] (4) Things that seem to exist outside of the mind but are acknowledged to be mere appearances within the mind.[11] (5) Physical forms and entities in the environment (e.g., rocks, trees) that can serve as the focus of shamatha meditation.[12]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Items or entities outside oneself that can stimulate physical senses and feelings of desire.[13]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) These are described as the opposite of the Dhamma, as their nature can be determined by picking them up and examining them, unlike the Dhamma, which can only be experienced directly.[14] (2) Things outside the mind that can distract the citta from its calm state.[15]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Tangible gifts given to others, which can include food, drink, clothing, and shelter.[16]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) An object of knowledge that pertains to external entities or environments outside of one's own consciousness.[17]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Physical entities that instigate cravings, as opposed to the internal mental desires.[18]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The stimuli that influence the mind but are deemed less important than the internal mental states when it comes to the development of nama and rupa.[19]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Physical phenomena that provoke cravings and desires, which distract beings from attaining tranquility and mindfulness.[20]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The objects outside of the mind that interact with the internal organs to produce consciousness and sensations.[21] (2) The physical things the yogin visualizes and contemplates, particularly in relation to inner states and perceptions.[22]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) Physical or mental phenomena that can distract or absorb the individual's attention.[23]
Hindu concept of 'External object'
In Hinduism, "External object" encompasses material possessions and sensory perceptions that distract individuals from deeper self-understanding and spiritual contemplation of Brahman-bliss, contributing to bondage and impeding inner peace and realization of the self.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Objects that are perceived when the mind is associated with sense organs, leading to externalization of internal ideas.[24] (2) Entities or phenomena perceived outside of consciousness that, according to the provided text, do not truly exist from the standpoint of Reality.[25] (3) Objects perceived from the external environment through the senses during both dreams and waking experiences.[26] (4) Things outside an individual鈥檚 mind that are perceived; their existence is questioned in philosophical discourse.[27] (5) All entities perceived as separate from oneself, which are ultimately deemed illusory according to the philosophy discussed.[28]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Objects that exist outside of oneself, which the intellect assumes forms of.[29] (2) Physical or mental phenomena that are perceived but do not consistently exist in all states of consciousness.[30] (3) The things that draw individuals' attention outward, preventing them from understanding the real nature of Brahman-bliss.[31] (4) An entity outside of oneself that can cause fear; dependence on such an object prevents one from being free from fear.[32] (5) External objects include material possessions and relationships such as wealth, sons, and kinsmen, which can distract a spiritual aspirant from their inner journey.[33]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) Distractions or elements in the surrounding environment that can divert attention away from meditation.[34] (2) Physical entities that distract the intellect and contribute to the pollution of the mind.[35] (3) Tangible or intangible items or concepts that provoke desire, which can lead to both virtuous and non-virtuous actions or karma.[36] (4) Refers to the tangible items and experiences in the physical world that can divert one's attention from spiritual truths.[37] (5) Refers to material or worldly entities that are often the focus of attachment, contrasting with the internal focus on the Atman.[38]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) Items or desires that are outside of the self and not related to the atman, which lead to ignorance.[39] (2) Things outside of oneself that may distract from understanding or contemplation of the self (atman).[40] (3) Items or phenomena in the outside world that are perceived by the senses but do not influence the atman.[41] (4) External objects are the things that are perceived through the senses, like sound and other sensory experiences, which distract from understanding the atman within.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are what the individual soul apprehends when connected with by means of the modifications of the mind, and the soul identifies with the gross body.[43] (2) The text discusses whether ideas, like those of posts, can arise in the absence of external objects, which is a point of contention.[44] (3) Stimuli in the environment that a person perceives through their senses; absent in a person who is fainting or stunned.[45] (4) Entities that are perceived to exist outside of consciousness, which the Bauddhas argue, do not exist independently of perception.[46]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The objects comprising the universe that exist independent of perception in the external world.[47] (2) Physical entities perceived as separate from the self, which contribute to an individual鈥檚 attachment and identification.[48] (3) The distractions of the material world that detain individuals from realizing their true selves.[49]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Material things that provide temporary pleasure but must be renounced.[50] (2) Desires or attachments related to things outside oneself that the mind progressively relinquishes.[51] (3) The stimuli from outside that the mind-function traditionally interacts with.[52]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) An external object refers to anything outside the mind that can be perceived, noted as having no relation to the mind in this context.[53] (2) Things that exist outside of one's mind, which in the philosophy of others are considered as part of reality.[54]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Physical manifestations in the outside world that the Jivas perceive through their senses while in the waking state.[55]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Things outside oneself that can cause impurities and disrupt the state of pure rest and meditation.[56]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Things or entities that exist outside of oneself, which individuals are advised not to let distract them from seeking the Inner Self.[57]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Items or entities sought by beings whose happiness is imperfect, pursued in an attempt to enhance their own sense of fulfillment or joy.[58]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The term refers to worldly distractions that meditative practice aims to turn away from, enabling deeper awareness of 'Om.'[59]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An object that is represented or referred to externally by a word.[60] (2) The tangible or perceivable entity that a word denotes or refers to in communication.[61] (3) A tangible item or concept that exists outside of the mental interpretation of a sentence-meaning.[62] (4) An external object is something that exists outside of the perceiver's mind and can be grasped and differentiated based on its properties.[63] (5) The various subjects under consideration when establishing a standard of comparison, leading to the creation of multiple terms.[64]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) Entities in the outside world that can impact the soul and influence thought processes.[65] (2) Items or concepts outside the body that were the focus of previous discussions before shifting to internal bodily knowledge.[66] (3) Physical entities that can be focused upon during meditation, such as the moon or sun, which are advised because they do not provoke passions.[67] (4) A physical or conceptual focus point for the thinking principle during meditation, such as the tip of the nose or a divine image.[68] (5) An object that exists outside the perceiving mind and becomes known or unknown based on its interaction with the thinking principle.[69]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The items or phenomena in the environment that serve as the origin ('seed') of the thought transformations, leading to the experience of seeded trance.[70] (2) An object that is perceived outside of the mind, which remains the same but can evoke different mental responses.[71] (3) The entities and experiences outside the self that the mind interacts with, which lead to knowledge and emancipation.[72] (4) Any object of thought that influences the mind, contributing to its coloring and shaping.[73] (5) External Object is any item or thing outside the perceiving subject that can be used as a point of reference for cognition.[74]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The object of perception that exists outside the mind, which the mind reflects in conjunction with the Atman.[75]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Material things that individuals desire to possess, which, if craved, contribute to one's bondage.[76] (2) Physical entities in the outside world that are perceived through the external senses of the body.[77] (3) The phenomena and material aspects of life that often distract from inner peace and self-awareness.[78] (4) Physical representations perceived by the mind, which are ultimately reflections of internal consciousness.[79] (5) Physical entities in the world that are perceived through the senses, often distracting from deeper understanding.[80]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Items or material possessions outside oneself, which salvation is not attained by foregoing.[81] (2) Physical entities or possessions that are regarded as outside the self and are not essential to attain success.[82]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Material or sensory phenomena outside of oneself that can distract or cause attachment, hindering spiritual progress.[83]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The physical and sensory stimuli in the world that distract the mind from attaining true understanding of reality.[84]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Physical things that are perceived by the senses, contrasting with the innate and subtle essence of the Soul.[85] (2) Elements of the visible world that interact with and are perceived through the five senses.[86]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Material possessions or attractions that are ultimately unfulfilling to the conditioned souls in their spiritual journey.[87]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Entities or stimuli in the environment that can be perceived through the external sense-organs.[88]
Jain concept of 'External object'
In Jainism, "External object" encompasses perceived causes of emotional changes, items outside oneself that may be stolen, sources of pleasure, and material possessions that could hinder spiritual development.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Items or things considered outside of oneself that can be potentially stolen, mentioning that taking them with impure intentions is stealing.[89] (2) The empirical or figurative expressions that are perceived as causes for the modifications in feelings.[90]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Material possessions or worldly things that should not distract from spiritual progression.[91] (2) Items or experiences outside a person that are sought for enjoyment or pleasure.[92]
The concept of External object in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "External object" encompasses elements outside oneself, such as material possessions and relationships, that stimulate sensory perception, facilitate meditation, influence the will, and serve as focal points for achieving mental concentration and understanding.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) External objects are the things outside of the mind that the soul perceives, highlighting the mind's role in interpreting information from the world, forming an interface.[93] (2) When the mind, internal organs, and external instruments come together and attach themselves to an external object, then a person perceives it, which is a complex process.[94] (3) This is required for will to exist, as it provides the necessary stimulus, according to the provided text, and is a fundamental aspect of the will's composition, making it a compound.[95] (4) When the mind is studying this, it gets identified with it, loses itself, and the practice of meditation is pursued to bring the individual nearer to the truth than anything else.[96] (5) These are like the stones thrown into the lake, which the Chitta is compared to, and as soon as it comes in contact with any, there is a vibration, what is called Manas, indecisive.[97]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Any physical item, such as a painting or statue, that is perceived and is believed to contain a part of divine consciousness.[98] (2) Items or artworks that stimulate the aesthetic faculty and facilitate the production of impressions in individuals.[99]