San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Pc 55Obstructions
Pāli / Sanskrit:Antarāyika
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ANTARĀYIKA DISCOURSE (OBSTRUCTIONS)
Background
The Antarāyika Discourse, meaning "Obstructions," is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the regulations concerning actions, mental states, and circumstances that may obstruct the undertaking of ordination and the practice of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This discourse reflects the deep Theravāda Buddhist understanding of obstructing factors (antarāya) on the path of spiritual practice.
In the context of the early monastic community, the Buddha and the great disciples recognized that not all conditions are favorable for practice. Certain actions, attitudes, and situations may weaken or undermine the spirit of practice, even making it difficult to maintain the sanctity of ordination. These obstructions are not necessarily great violations leading to expulsion from the Sangha, but they are subtle barriers that must be recognized and controlled.
Main Content
The Antarāyika Discourse lists the principal obstructions in spiritual practice. They include anger (dosa), greed (lobha), and delusion (moha), the three basic unwholesome roots. In addition, the discourse points out obstructions such as lack of faith, absence of shame regarding evil actions, lack of fear of the consequences of evil karma, laziness in practice, forgetfulness of the Buddha's teachings, and a distracted mind.
These obstructions operate on many different levels. On the outermost level, they are concrete psychological states. On a deeper level, they manifest separation from the very nature of reality toward which the Buddha-Dharma guides us: a lack of freedom, being bound by ambitions and fears. The discourse emphasizes that these obstructions are not accusations against any particular individual, but common psychological conditions faced by all practitioners and by all human beings.
In particular, the Vinaya Piṭaka points out that the presence of these obstructions can affect the ability to practice mindfulness (sati) and concentration (samādhi).
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