noun
special transmission outside the scriptures; direct mind-to-mind transmission
A core Zen Buddhist concept: enlightenment is transmitted directly from master to disciple beyond words and scriptures, often contrasted with 不立文字 (not relying on written words).
See also: 不立文字
禅宗では、教外別伝の考え方が重視される。
In Zen Buddhism, the idea of special transmission outside the scriptures is emphasized.
教外別伝は、言葉に頼らない悟りの伝達を意味する。
教外別伝 means the transmission of enlightenment without relying on words.