Significance of Hindrance
The concept of Hindrance varies across different philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Arthashastra, it symbolizes obstacles in warfare; in Vaishnavism, it denotes barriers to personal progress, exemplified by dreams. Within Purana, it reflects Ganesha's role in preventing entry during a sacred event. Mahayana sees Hindrance as barriers to fulfilling desires, while Theravada describes specific mental obstacles obstructing concentration and spiritual development. Overcoming these hindrances is essential for achieving enlightenment and performing wholesome actions across various paths.
Synonyms: Obstacle, Impediment, Barrier, Obstruction, Difficulty, Limitation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hindrance'
In Buddhism, Hindrance signifies mental obstacles that disrupt clarity and concentration during meditation. These include five specific impediments—lust, ill will, uncertainty, sloth, and agitation—that obstruct spiritual progress and the attainment of jhana.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Specific obstacles that prevent concentration and should be abandoned to attain jhana, including lust, ill will, stiffness, agitation, and uncertainty.[1] (2) Obstacles that must be abandoned in order for the mind to achieve access concentration.[2] (3) Factors that threaten the stability of jhana and detract from the quality of meditation.[3] (4) Five specific obstacles such as lust, ill will, and uncertainty that obstruct clarity and concentration.[4]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Obstructions that weaken insight and prevent the development of wholesome mental states, categorized into various types.[5] (2) Mental obstacles such as regret that prevent the performance of kusala or wholesome actions.[6] (3) Mental factors that obstruct progress on the path to enlightenment, such as sloth, torpor, and doubt.[7]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Mental barriers such as doubt that obstruct the performance of wholesome actions (kusala).[8] (2) Obstructions to spiritual progress that manifest as negative mental states, preventing the performance of kusala (wholesome activities).[9]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Obstacles or disturbances that impede mental clarity and concentration in meditation.[10] (2) Obstacles that obstruct mental development and hinder the path to enlightenment, including various negative mental states.[11]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Obstacles or distractions in the path of meditation and spiritual practice, which the young monk was able to overcome through concentration.[12]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Obstacles or barriers that prevent one from fulfilling their desires or vows, which are eliminated through spiritual practice.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Hindrance'
In Hinduism, Hindrance signifies barriers, such as Ganesha's protection during Parvati's bath, challenges to personal progress like enchanting dreams, and obstacles in warfare that impact strategy and movement.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An obstacle or something that prevents progress; in this case, the enchanting dream that affected getting up from bed.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The barrier that Ganesha was instructed to maintain at the doorway, preventing any entry during Parvati's bath.[15]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) Obstacles or challenges faced during warfare, affecting strategic movements.[16]
The concept of Hindrance in local and regional sources
Hindrance encompasses obstacles in life, which can be surmounted through devotion and teachings. Additionally, it signifies a specific obstacle faced during Dayarnava's worship, caused by the arrival of a malevolent individual.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) An obstacle that arose during Dayarnava's worship due to the arrival of a wicked man.[17] (2) Obstacles or challenges in life that are overcome through devotion and listening to the teachings.[18]