Significance of Obstacle
Synonyms: Barrier, Hindrance, Impediment, Obstruction, Challenge, Difficulty., Difficulty
In Dutch: Obstakel; In Finnish: Este; In Spanish: Obstáculo; In German: Hindernis
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Obstacle'
In Buddhism, "Obstacle" encompasses barriers hindering perception or action, such as illness or accidents, impacting nuns' duties and spiritual progress. These challenges prevent realization of potential and understanding of teachings, affecting communal and individual practices.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) Any hindrance that prevents a nun from fulfilling her duty regarding the withdrawal of her ordained partner.[1] (2) Any circumstance or event that prevents a nun from attending exhortation or communion, such as illness or accidents.[2] (3) A circumstance that prevents a nun from settling a legal question, which absolves her from the offence.[3] (4) A hindrance that may prevent the nun from attending to the ailing woman, such as illness or other accidents.[4] (5) Any hindrance that prevents the ordination from taking place, such as illness or accidents.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Obstacles (anavaranam) refer to the hindrances that impede the function of other types of eyes, such as the wisdom-eye and Dharma-eye, in truly seeing beings.[6] (2) Any hindrance or barrier that prevents beings from perceiving the voice of the Buddhas.[7] (3) Challenges or barriers that the samgha has overcome to achieve its status.[8] (4) Barriers (avarana) in understanding and action that prevent the bodhisattva from fully realizing their potential to help all beings.[9]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The meaning of Rahula's name, symbolizing the initial challenges he faces before understanding the teachings fully.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Challenges that a practitioner faces which can either hinder or facilitate their progress.[11]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Barriers that may impede the process of accurately perceiving or envisaging something in reality.[12] (2) The conceptual barrier that prevents two distinct entities from being observed in the same spatial point.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Obstacle'
In Hinduism, "Obstacle" signifies challenges faced by devotees that hinder spiritual progress, including distractions or difficulties. Faithful worship, specifically at Lingas and through Devi practices, is believed to help overcome these barriers.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Difficulties or barriers that impede progress, which the actions in the text aim to eliminate.[14]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Challenges or hindrances encountered during the spiritual journey, which the Lord helps to navigate.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Challenges or difficulties that are believed to be removed through the proper practice of worship to the Devi.[16]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Encountering challenges or difficulties, which occurs when a dog shakes its ears and licks a traveller's feet.[17]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The collective term for distractions such as disease, langour, doubt, carelessness, idleness, worldly-mindedness, mistaken notions, unattainment of stages, and instability that hinder concentration and meditation.[18]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Barriers that hinder clear communication or understanding.[19]