Upp Pc 57Obstructions
Pāli / Sanskrit:Antarāyika
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Explanation of the Antarāyika Sutta (Obstructions)
Background
The Antarāyika Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Upajjhaṭṭhāna Pācittiya section, regulations related to the teacher-student relationship and offenses in the life of the Sangha. This is a Vinaya text, not a doctrinal discourse, but it contains profound principles concerning the management of the mind and observance of the holy life.
The term Antarāyika means “obstructions” or “hindrances.” In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, it refers to actions, thoughts, or situations which, if engaged in, would make it impossible for a monk or bhikkhunī to continue practicing within the Sangha or would obstruct progress on the path of Dharma.
Main Content
Obstructions identified by the Buddha and the elders include factors incompatible with the renunciant life. According to the Theravāda tradition, the main obstructions include serious breaches of discipline (pārājika), violations requiring public confession (saṅghādisesa), marital sensual desire, the use of inappropriate intoxicants such as alcohol, and actions contrary to the bodhisattva mind.
In addition, obstructions also include inner hindrances: anger, greed, and delusion, the three mental poisons (lobha, dosa, moha). A monastic may violate a formal rule while still having a pure mind; conversely, one may keep the formal rules while the mind is governed by these poisons, thereby creating an obstruction that cannot be overcome.
The Antarāyika Sutta emphasizes that obstructions arise not only from external actions, but also from intentional formations. Only when a person carefully watches the three doors of action, body, speech, and mind, and clearly understands consequences (kamma-phala), can that person avoid obstructions.
Practical Meaning
The practical meaning of this text does not lie in fear of legal penalties, but in understanding that “obstructions” are in fact things that hinder the development of consciousness toward luminosity and liberation.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.