In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Bahirdhākāya (बहिर्धाकाय) refers to “outer body”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XXXI.—One’s own body (svakāya) and the organs, eye, etc., are inner body (adhyātmakāya); one’s wife, son, wealth, fields, house and other utilized objects are outer body (bahirdhākāya). How is that? Since material dharmas (rūpadharma) are all [objects] of mindfulness of the body (kāyasmṛtyupasthāna). First the Yogin examines the inner body (adhyātmakāya) [...]. If [the Yogin] finds no ātman when he examines the inner [body], perhaps this ātman is outside (bahirdhā). Why? Because outer things (bāhyavastu) are an object of attachment for all beings. But when the Yogin examines the outer body (bahirdhākāya), the Ātman is not found there either.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Bahirdha, Kaya.

Full-text: Adhyatmakaya, Sangacitta, Svakaya.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Bahirdhakaya, Bahirdhākāya, Bahirdha-kaya, Bahirdhā-kāya; (plurals include: Bahirdhakayas, Bahirdhākāyas, kayas, kāyas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

Mahāyāna auxiliaries (A): The four foundations of mindfulness < [Part 3 - The auxiliaries according to the Mahāyāna]

Emptiness 1-3: Inner, Outer and both Inner and Outer < [Chapter XLVIII - The Eighteen Emptinesses]

E.1: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness (smṛtyupasthāna) < [Abhidharma auxiliaries (E): Detailed study of the auxiliaries]

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