The five hindrances (nivāranā) are mental factors ... - Dhamma by Ajahn Jayasāro

The five hindrances (nivāranā) are mental factors that prevent the mind from realizing peace and wisdom. Progress in meditation may be gauged by the extent to which the mind can free itself of these hindrances.

The Buddha revealed the ways in which the hindrances prevent clear vision by comparing the mind to a bowl of pure water and the hindrances to various distortions of the stillness and transparency of the water.

Sensual desires are compared to various coloured dyes added to the water.

Aversion is compared to heat that boils the water and makes it bubble violently.

Sloth and torpor are compared to water-plants that grow over the water and conceal it.

Restlessness is compared to a wind disturbing the surface of the water.

Doubt is like mud in the water and darkness around it, rendering the water invisible.

The path of meditation includes learning how to protect the mind from these hindrances, and when unable to do so, how to let them go.

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Source:

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