noun
non-Buddhist teachings; tirthika
Buddhist term for teachings or practitioners outside of Buddhism. Often contrasted with 内道 (Buddhist teachings).
See also: 内道
仏教では、外道の教えは解脱に至らないとされる。
In Buddhism, non-Buddhist teachings are considered not to lead to liberation.
noun
heresy; heterodoxy; unorthodoxy
Extended from the Buddhist sense to mean any belief or practice deviating from the accepted norm. Can refer to a person (heretic) or the doctrine itself.
彼の理論は学会では外道扱いされた。
His theory was treated as heresy in the academic society.
noun
Pejorative term for a person who acts in an inhuman, cruel, or morally repugnant way. Often used as an insult.
あんな外道な奴とは二度と話したくない。
I never want to talk to a fiend like that again.
noun
unintended catch; bycatch
Fishing term for a fish species one did not intend to catch. Metaphorically, something unwanted that comes along with the desired thing.
今日は外道ばかりで、目当ての魚は釣れなかった。
Today was all unintended catches; I didn't catch the fish I was after.