also: げてん · げでん
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Apocrypha; non-canonical biblical writings
Refers specifically to the Apocrypha in the context of the Biblical canon, as opposed to 正典 (canonical scriptures).
See also: 正典
外典は正典に含まれない文書を指す。
The Apocrypha refers to writings not included in the canon.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
non-Buddhist writings; secular texts (esp. Confucian)
Only with reading げてん
In Buddhism, refers to writings outside the Buddhist canon, especially Confucian texts. Usually read げてん in this sense.
See also: 内典
僧侶は内典だけでなく外典にも通じていた。
The monk was well-versed not only in Buddhist scriptures but also in non-Buddhist writings.
Obsolete kana usage; included for recognition of historical texts.
From 外 (outside) + 典 (canon, scripture). The term originally referred to writings outside a religious canon, with specific applications in Christianity and Buddhism.