Significance of External World
Synonyms: Outside world, Environment, External environment, Outer world, Physical world, External reality
In Dutch: Buitenwereld; In Finnish: Ulkoinen maailma; In Spanish: Mundo exterior; In German: 础耻脽别苍飞别濒迟; In Swedish: Yttre v盲rld; In Malay: Dunia Luar; In Spanish: Mundo externo; In French: Monde ext茅rieur
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 World'
In Buddhism, the External World encompasses tangible entities perceived beyond individual consciousness, with debates on its reality, often viewed as illusory. It highlights the challenges of perception versus cognition and the impact on suffering and peace.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The physical reality that may not exist in the same way under the doctrine of Idealism, which challenges the existence of substances considered unclean.[1] (2) The reality beyond the realm of perception, which is debated in the context of cognition and the existence of external objects.[2] (3) A philosophical concept that pertains to the existence of objects outside of perception and cognition, which is discussed in the commentary as being negated by certain arguments.[3] (4) The realm of tangible entities that are distinctly perceived and acknowledged, as opposed to the internal or subjective realm.[4] (5) The perceived reality shaped by conceptual content, influenced by misunderstandings arising from ignorance.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The external world pertains to the surroundings and everything outside of oneself, which can be perceived more clearly through deep meditative practices.[6]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The perceived reality outside the mind, which in Buddhist philosophy is understood as illusory.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The realm of physical and emotional experiences that individuals often cling to, leading to suffering and disruption of peace.[8]
Hindu concept of 'External World'
In Hinduism, the External World represents the material realm created by God, filled with distractions and illusions that impact spiritual understanding, contrasting with inner experiences of the Self and true devotion to divinity.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The realm that ordinary conditioned souls are attached to, which diverts them from pure devotion.[9] (2) The realm of ordinary perception where experiences are viewed in terms of enjoyment.[10] (3) The material realm that is characterized by sensations and temporary experiences, sometimes distracting from spiritual pursuits.[11] (4) The material realm that ordinary people engage with, which Madhavendra Puri becomes detached from.[12] (5) The visible and physical environment that one interacts with, which may be perceived differently based on one's philosophical beliefs or spiritual understanding.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the material universe outside of the divine or spiritual realm which Brahma engages with to carry out his creation duties.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The physical reality outside of oneself; in this context, the distractions and sensory inputs that can detract from meditation.[15]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The physical environment that entraps people, causing them to forget their spiritual essence and connection to Lord Krishna.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The perceived reality that is influenced by the intellect, claimed to be distinct from the mind according to its relationship with the intellect.[17] (2) The physical environment and societal circumstances that can impose sorrow and desire.[18] (3) The physical reality that is perceived through the senses, often seen as separate from the self.[19] (4) The physical realm and all its manifestations that interact with the inner consciousness.[20] (5) The physical realm that appears to exist outside of the mind but is viewed as an illusion constructed by perceptions.[21]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The manifestation of the mind, which appears as the tangible universe distinct from subjective consciousness.[22]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The environment outside of oneself that can distract from inner peace.[23] (2) The environment and stimuli outside an individual that can be perceived through the sense-organs.[24] (3) Refers to the environment and circumstances outside of the individual, with which one interacts.[25]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The doctrine which maintains the momentary reality of the external world is refuted in the text, along with the doctrine that asserts that ideas only exist.[26] (2) The external world refers to the realm of things existing outside of consciousness, like posts and walls, which are subject to debate regarding their reality, as some philosophies deny their existence.[27] (3) The reality of existence outside of one's own ideas or consciousness.[28]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The material aspect of reality that is explored in the context of philosophical inquiry.[29] (2) The perceived reality outside of oneself, argued in the text to be illusory and dependent on individual consciousness.[30]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The realm outside of oneself that must be disregarded to perceive the Self.[31]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The material and sensory environment surrounding an individual, which often competes for attention and engagement.[32]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The realm surrounding the Deity, which influences perception and experience through suffering and modification.[33]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The area of perception and experience outside of an individual, where the Lord is called Vishva for producing consciousness.[34]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The physical, tangible reality outside of the mind where objects exist as opposed to their conceptual representations.[35] (2) The reality outside of cognitive states or mental connections, which does not have a corresponding connection to sentence-meaning.[36] (3) The reality outside of one's mind, which the Vijnanavadins argue does not exist.[37] (4) The environment or reality outside of the individual's mind, where objects can be seen.[38] (5) The reality that exists outside of an individual's mind or consciousness.[39]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The realm of the physical universe that is perceived as an illusion or mere reflection of the Atman.[40] (2) The physical environment where individuals seek happiness and fulfillment.[41] (3) The environment and experiences outside of oneself that can bring about a sense of duality and pain.[42] (4) The superficial and transient aspect of reality that, although can be beautiful, is not the ultimate truth and should not be the focus of the mind.[43]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The perceived reality outside of the self, argued to be real and not merely an illusion, maintained by the Sankhyas.[44]
The concept of External World in local and regional sources
The External World encompasses the observable environment beyond oneself, fulfilling desires, connecting with the internal world, and influencing our understanding of existence while serving as a backdrop for personal introspection and societal interactions.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) It is the realm of the senses, and it can provide the things needed, but it is not enough for the spirit.[45] (2) The external world is the source of voices that Satyakama initially interprets, and it is later understood that the voice comes from within, indicating the importance of introspection.[46] (3) The external world fulfills our ordinary desires, so we do not feel any need for God until we have had hard blows in our lives and are disappointed with everything here.[47] (4) This encompasses the realm of nature and the concept of a divine being associated with nature, which is the focus of some religions, according to the text.[48] (5) This refers to the reality existing outside of the individual, which the text suggests is only partially knowable due to the influence of the mind.[49]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is the physical world outside, which lost its capacity to evoke wonder due to the familiarity created by poetic convention.[50] (2) The outside society that poses a threat to the familial peace and is depicted as harsh and unforgiving.[51] (3) The societal pressures and expectations that conflict with personal desires in Arnold's poetry, acting as obstacles to fulfilling love.[52]