"Self-realization" (or "self-verification") is a term commonly used in Chinese Buddhism. It refers to the direct realization of the truth of Buddhism through external sources of learning, such as scriptures or teacher's teachings, as well as personal practice and experience.
「自內證」是漢傳佛教中常用的用語。它指透過外在的學習來源，如經典或老師的教誨，以及個人的修行和體驗，直接證悟佛教的真理。
On the other hand, "external paths" is a term used in Buddhism. It refers only to the practice of seeking salvation from external sources such as mercy or grace from the Mighty Saints, which are recorded in the scriptures or teachings of a teacher. (By the way, the term "external paths" is only used to distinguish the practice that emphasizes less on direct realization. It is never equal to "heretic", which may have a derogatory connotation.)
另一方面，「外道」是佛教用語，只是用來區分不太強調直接開悟的修行方式。它指的是從外部（例如強大的聖人）尋求救贖的做法。這個用語不應該與「邪教」或「異端」混淆。
Both terms are important in distinguishing Buddhism from non-Buddhism, because they emphasize the importance of personal experience and direct realization in one's spiritual practice, rather than relying solely on external sources. While non-Buddhist traditions or teachings may have some value, they are ultimately considered to be incomplete, because they do not lead to the ultimate realization of enlightenment.
這兩個用語對於區分佛教與非佛教都很重要，因為它們強調個人經驗和直接實現精神修行的重要性，而不是僅僅依賴外部來源。雖然非佛教的傳統或教義可能有一定的價值，但它們最終被認為是不完整的，因為它們不會導致最終的證悟。
Therefore, "Self-realization" can be seen as a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice, while "external paths" is used to distinguish between Buddhist and non-Buddhist spiritual practices. By understanding these concepts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of personal experience and direct realization in Buddhist practice, as well as the significance of the Buddha's teachings in guiding us towards enlightenment.
因此，「自內悟」可以被視為佛教修行的一個基本面，而「外道」則被用來區分佛教和非佛教的精神修行。透過了解這些概念，我們可以更深刻地認識到佛法修行中個人體驗和直接證悟的重要性，以及佛陀教義引導我們走向開悟的意義。
