There are five hindrance that block our progress in meditation practice. Everyone has them, some more-so than others. As long as they are present, it will be difficult to gain insight during meditation. The hindrances arise because of the unwholesome qualities of the mind, and it is the training of the mind that lead to their eradication. When we sit in practice, the hindrances become much easier to see.
The Five Hindrances are as follows:
Craving for sensual desire – this hindrance manifests in so many forms, they are too numerous to list. However, if you know the fundamentals, you can see how easily they can be identified. Craving for sensual desire is a never-ending need to constantly please the senses with phenomena that is to our satisfaction. If we hear someone talking while we are 'meditating', we become infuriated. But, if we hear the birds singing or any other desirable sound, there is no disturbance to our state of mind. Actually there is a disturbance, which will be covered in another post. Another manifestation of our craving is when we get to a nice, serene place during meditation, and we just sit there, and sit there. Absolutely no insight is gained during this time. It feels good, but isn't productive.
Ill-will / aversion – Everyone has anger. Just as certain phenomena are pleasing to the senses, others can generate much ill-will / aversion / anger / hatred. The day we realize that anger comes from within, and is NOT caused by others, is the day we start to take ownership of our actions. Have someone flick-on lights or a stereo while you are 'meditating', and you will see beautiful manifestations of ill-will. Another example of this hindrance is that even though we know that meditation is good for us, we still have an aversion to actually committing to a regular practice.
Sloth & torpor – the mind loves to be entertained, constantly engaged in planning, remembering, fantasizing. Probably the most important ingredients to a fruitful meditation practice is boundless effort and energy. Without them, we would never find our way to the meditation cushion. And, once there, we would just sit; planning, remembering, daydreaming. It takes physical effort to sustain one's practice, and mental energy to develop one's mind.
Restlessness – can be of the body or mind. One may have trouble sitting still for an extended period or may have trouble stilling the mind. There are different methods of practice which aid in overcoming restlessness of body and mind.
Skeptical doubt – there is doubt about whether meditation works; doubt if one is making progress in their practice; doubt about the teacher and the teachings. This skepticism can only be overcome by one's own experience, and faith that the practice will yield benefits in time.
Come, learn more about the hindrances which impede one's progress... See how they can be overcome with a little perseverance...
