San Bu Pm Qizil Pc 57Obstructions and a Novice
Pāli / Sanskrit:Samaṇuddesaantarāyika
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Text on Obstructions in Instructing Novices
Samanuddesaantarayika
Background
This text belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of early Buddhism, a collection of rules and practical guidance for bhikkhus and novices (samana). In the context of the early Sangha, instructing young monastics was a sacred task and needed to be carried out fully. Yet the life of practice does not always proceed smoothly. There are factors that obstruct the process of training and practice for novices.
The Samanuddesaantarayika text was compiled to identify and explain "obstructions in instructing novices" (samanuddesaantarayika), that is, conditions or circumstances that cause instruction to be ineffective, or even impossible. This is an important part of the Vinaya Pitaka, because it helps senior monks and abbots understand the obstacles they may encounter.
Main Content
According to the Pali Canon tradition, obstructions in instructing novices are classified according to many different factors. One important obstruction is unsuitable material and mental conditions. If a novice is suffering from serious illness, or if the mind is distracted by anxieties, receiving the teaching will be difficult. Similarly, if the teacher lacks time, or if the teacher himself is facing obstacles of health or mind, instruction cannot take place fully.
Another obstruction is a lack of respect and trust between the guide and the guided. If the novice lacks faith in the teacher or does not follow instruction, even the best teachings will not bear fruit. At the same time, relationships within the Sangha community can also become obstructions if there is disharmony, dispute, or failure to follow the common discipline.
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