What gets in the way of resting in peacefulness and calm? Sometimes it feels easy to settle, to be present, to practice. Other times, we feel scattered, restless, heavy, or filled with doubt. The Buddha described five hindrances that interfere with our clarity and drain energy.
Sense Desire (Kāmacchanda) – Craving, thirst, and longing—the pull toward pleasant experiences and sensations.
Aversion (Vyāpāda) – Pushing away, resisting, or rejecting—frustration, irritation, and unwillingness to accept what is.
Sloth & Torpor (Thīna-Middha) – Dullness, heaviness, and low energy—a sluggish mind lacking interest or vitality.
Restlessness & Worry (Uddhacca-Kukkucca) – A mind that won’t settle—anxious, agitated, ruminating, or caught in obsessive loops.
Doubt (Vicikicchā) – Lack of conviction or trust in the practice, the teachings, or one’s own ability.
We all meet these obstacles. They are common and natural.
The practice is learning to recognize them, meet them with patience, and see them for what they are—passing waves in the mind, fleeting appearances that cloud the otherwise open, relaxed heart-mind (citta).
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Sustain your 100 Days of Care journey on Thursday evenings as we meet on Zoom to meditate and support each other in our practice.
This week (March 6, 2025) we will be contemplating and discussing the Five Hindrances as a part of our exploration of the ‘far-reaching’ attitude of Effort (virya parami).
Everyone is welcome. Sessions are offered freely, by donation. PM for link to join or find more details at 100daysofcare.ca and @100.days.of.care
Questions for reflection and discussion:
👌🏼 Which of the five hindrances arises most often for you in practice or daily life? How does it show up, and what patterns do you notice around it?
👌🏼 When you recognize a hindrance, how do you usually respond? Do you try to push it away, give in to it, or meet it with curiosity and patience?
👌🏼 What supports you in working skillfully with hindrances? Are there specific practices, perspectives, or conditions that help you regain clarity and energy?
