༺ Pali Canon Anthology ༻

Five Hindrances

Aṅguttara Nikāya 111 (V, 193)

The hindrances are likened to reasons why a person might not be able to see their reflection in a bowl of water.

  • Sensual Lust
    the water is mixed with coloured dyes
  • Ill Will
    the water is boiling over a fire
  • Sloth & Torpor
    algae and vegetation cover the water
  • Restlessness & Worry
    ripples and waves churned up by wind
  • Doubt
    the water is muddy and placed in a dark place