:: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

Five hindrances are the main causes which block mankind from progress in meditation, or right understanding. The Buddha spoke about five hindrances, to Paribhajika Potthapada, at Mullikarama where the discussion took place, “Potthapada, mankind should consider five hindrances that one can not abandon yet, as a debt (sensual pleasure), disease (ill-will), imprisonment (sloth and torpor), slavery (worry and anxiety) and a long distance traveller (skeptical doubt) and consider five hindrances, that one can abandon, as no debt, no disease, freedom, independence and rich land.” Potthapada asked the Buddha to explain further.

The Buddha then drew a parallel as follows;

1. A man borrowed money for investment. He was unhappy because of his debt, but when he was successful in his business, he got some money. He repaid his debt and had some money left for his family. He is now happy because he has no debt and has some money for his family. He sees debt as a cause of unhappiness.
2. A man was not happy because he was sick, he could not eat and had no energy. Later on he recovered from his disease, he could eat and had energy. He is now happy because he has no disease. He realises that disease is the cause of suffering.
3. A man was not happy because he was imprisoned. Later on he was released from the prison, he had freedom. Because of the freedom, he is now happy (because he has freedom). He knows that imprisonment is a cause of suffering.
4. A man was the slave of his master, he had to depend on others so he was not happy. Later on he was released from slavery, he could do whatever he wanted and go wherever he liked. He is now very happy because he is independent. He understands that slavery is a real cause of suffering.
5. A wealthy man made a long journey through a desert, it was very difficult for him to find food to eat even though he had a lot of money. He could not buy food which he liked and he could not find a comfortable place for himself. Later on he reached the fertile land, safely. He is now happy, he can buy good food to eat and stay in a luxurious hotel. He realizes that a long journey in the desert is a cause of suffering.

The Buddha added that when the cause was abandoned completely, the perception disappeared. When a man could realize the five hindrances and abandon them, bliss or happiness occurred in his mind. When his mind was peaceful, his also body was calm. Then he was happy and freed from all unwholesomeness and all previous evil perceptions as the five men were happy when they were freed from their causes of suffering.

Real happiness arises from the realization of the cause of suffering, as the Buddha described above. When we realize the truth, one perception, namely a good one, occurs and disappears. The perception, either good or bad, arises and vanishes of its own accord, but it is good to know so that we are not deluded.