The Five Hindrances Arising during Meditation

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

One of the first discoveries in meditation is how unfree we are. The effort to sustain attention on a meditation object reveals just how little control we have over our mind. However, wise reflection on the unfree and conditioned nature of the untrained mind, when supported by the confidence that Dhamma practice offers a path to true freedom, is empowering. We come to feel that this is an intolerable situation and that we really must do something about it.

The Buddha showed how the five hindrances that arise during meditation limit our freedom with a number of similes:

Indulgence in thoughts of sense pleasures is like being in debt. Every moment of pleasure increases the payment to be made when it comes to an end.

Indulgence in negative thoughts is like having a fever. One can do no constructive work and is drained of all joy.

Dullness and lethargy are like being in prison, cut off from all that brings happiness and benefit.

Restlessness and worry make one like a slave. The mind feels compelled to rush around from one matter to another with no benefit to oneself whatsoever.

Being caught in wavering doubt and indecision is like being lost in a desolate land.

Freeing oneself of these hindrances with right effort, mindfulness and clear comprehension brings great joy to the mind. It is similar to the joy that may be experienced when becoming free of debt, recovering from illness, being released from prison, released from slavery or discovering a path to safety.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.