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Significance of Outside

The term "Outside" in Vaishnavism has multiple interpretations. It primarily denotes those not part of the devotee community, emphasizing exclusion from kirtana participation. It also signifies an external location, contrasting with the sacred space of Vaikuntha. In Vedanta, "Outside" describes a lack of external influences concerning Brahman, while in the context of Indian history, it advises against being disturbed by external noise, promoting inner silence and a focus on finer experiences beyond the superficial.1
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Synonyms: External, Exterior, Open air, Wilderness, Beyond, Uncovered

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Outside'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Outside" signifies various concepts: external locations beyond Vaikuntha, a shift in experience for the excluded, the exclusion of non-devotees, and the absence of external influences near Brahman, among others.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Referring to the external space or area, signifying a shift in perspective or location for the act of darshana.[1] (2) Refers to individuals who were not devotees and were therefore not permitted to participate in the kirtana.[2]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A direction indicating a location that is external to a particular area, in this context referring to the area beyond Vaikuntha.[3] (2) bahih refers to the position outside as the speaker felt the need to go out after being barred, leading to a new experience.[4]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The area beyond the homes where the yogurt-mud was present.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) Describes the non-existence of any external influences or entities around Brahman.[6] (2) Refers to the condition of being kept away from certain individuals or groups.[7]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

The concept of Outside in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Outside" in this context symbolizes the external world, characterized by its coarseness and distractions. Engaging with "Outside" can lead to a deeper inner experience, emphasizing the importance of silence and meditation for spiritual growth.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Outside becomes inside and creates another action, which interior action created another reaction, which again becomes outside and again acts inside.[8] (2) Do not spend your energy in talking, but meditate in silence; and do not let the rush of the outside world disturb you, which means to focus on inner silence.[9] (3) This is where the current of action is manifested, which is the grosser, and if we can get hold of this and go on further and further, it becomes finer and finer, and at last the finest, and the external is grosser and the inside finer.[10]