Definition
外道 is a Buddhist term (from Sanskrit 'tīrthika') referring to non-Buddhist or heretical teachings, but in modern Chinese it has broadened to mean any unorthodox, deviant, or shady practice or belief. It often carries a negative judgment — something outside the accepted way. You will encounter it in religious/philosophical discussions and, more colloquially, in the fixed expression 邪门外道 ('evil cults and heretical doctrines').
n.
(Buddhism) non-Buddhist doctrineheresy(by extension) unorthodox or deviant practiceshady method
Examples
- ，外道。Zài fójiào kàn lái, zhèxiē lǐlùn dōu shì wài dào.From a Buddhist perspective, these theories are all heretical doctrines.
- 外道，。Tā cónglái bù gǎo wài dào nà yí tào, zuò shì guāngmíng zhèngdà.He never engages in any shady business; he is open and aboveboard.
- ''外道，。Zhèxiē suǒwèi de 'miàofāng' qíshí shì wài dào, bú yào qīngyì xiāngxìn.These so-called 'miracle cures' are actually unorthodox methods; don't trust them easily.
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