Parent:: [[Dhamma]] Related:: [[Bojjhanga|7 Bojjhaṅga]] # Pañca Nīvaraṇa (5 Hindrances) > [!tldr] Which are the Five Hindrances? ([[{Vilas Blog} Nivarana#Let us further understand deeper meaning in each of these Nivarna|Definitions]]) > 1. **Sensual interest** ([[Kamacchanda|Kāmacchanda]]) > - Removed by [[Asubha|Asubha]] bhāvanā > 2. **Ill-will** ([[Byapada|Byāpāda]]) > - Removed by [[Metta|Mettā]] bhāvanā > 3. **Sloth & Torpor** ([[Thina-middha|Thīna-Middha]]) > - Removed by putting in [[Viriya|Vīriya]] > 4. **Restlessness & Worry** ([[Uddhacca-kukkucca]]) > - Removed by entering into [[Jhana|Jhāna]] > 5. **Doubts** ([[Vicikiccha|Vicikicchā]]) > 1. Removed by understanding [[Vandana|Vandanā]] > > They are *best explained* by Vilas in his post on [Nīvarana](https://spiritualessence.in/2021/05/25/nivarana/) (also clipped [[{Vilas Blog} Nivarana|here]]). ## Similes ![[{Vilas Blog} Nivarana#^744a2c]] ![[{Vilas Blog} Nivarana#^2907e9]] ## 5 Hindrances and [[Bojjhanga|7 Bojjhaṅga]] Factors > [!info] The [[Nivarana|5 Hindrances]] "obstructs" wisdom whereas the [[Bojjhanga|7 Bojjhanga]] factors "unobstructs" it — In Āvaraṇanīvaraṇasutta ([SN46.37](https://suttacentral.net/sn46.37/en/sujato)) > These are the **==five obstacles==** and **hindrances, corruptions of the heart that weaken wisdom**. > _Ime kho, bhikkhave, **==pañca āvaraṇā nīvaraṇā cetaso upakkilesā paññāya dubbalīkaraṇā==**._ > > ... > > These **==seven awakening factors==** are **not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom.**” > > _Ime kho, bhikkhave, **==satta bojjhaṅgā anāvaraṇā anīvaraṇā cetaso anupakkilesā bhāvitā bahulīkatā vijjāvimuttiphalasacchikiriyāya saṁvattantīti==**._ ^hindrances-and-no-hindrances ## How to Practice and Remove 5 Hindrances? > [!todo] How to Practice and Remove 5 Hindrances? — In Nāgasutta ([AN9.40](https://suttacentral.net/an9.40/en/sujato)) > **(1) Giving up covetousness** for the world, they meditate with a heart rid of covetousness**, cleansing the mind of covetousness. > > _So **==abhijjhaṁ loke pahāya vigatābhijjhena cetasā viharati==**, abhijjhāya cittaṁ parisodheti;_ > > **(2) Giving up ill will and malevolence, they meditate with a mind rid of ill will, full of sympathy for all living beings**, cleansing the mind of ill will. > > _**==byāpādapadosaṁ pahāya abyāpannacitto viharati sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī==**, byāpādapadosā cittaṁ parisodheti;_ > > **(3) Giving up dullness and drowsiness, they meditate with a mind free of dullness and drowsiness, perceiving light, mindful and aware**, cleansing the mind of dullness and drowsiness. > > _**==thinamiddhaṁ pahāya vigatathinamiddho viharati ālokasaññī sato sampajāno==**, thinamiddhā cittaṁ parisodheti;_ > > **(4) Giving up restlessness and remorse, they meditate without restlessness, their mind peaceful inside**, cleansing the mind of restlessness and remorse. > > _**==uddhaccakukkuccaṁ pahāya anuddhato viharati ajjhattaṁ vūpasantacitto==**, uddhaccakukkuccā cittaṁ parisodheti;_ > > **(5) Giving up doubt, they meditate having gone beyond doubt, not undecided about skillful qualities**, cleansing the mind of doubt. > > _**==vicikicchaṁ pahāya tiṇṇavicikiccho viharati akathaṅkathī kusalesu dhammesu==**, vicikicchāya cittaṁ parisodheti._ > > They give up these five hindrances, corruptions of the heart that weaken wisdom. > _So ime pañca nīvaraṇe pahāya cetaso upakkilese paññāya dubbalīkaraṇe_ ## Great video - [[☸️📒 {Eryu} Dhamma Learnings#^2021-06-09-dhamma-discussion]] ## Suttas - [[AN1.11–20 Nīvaraṇappahānavagga]] - Hindrances & Bojjhanga factors - SN46.51 Āhārasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/sn46.51/en/sujato)) ([Blog](https://spiritualessence.in/2025/12/20/struggling-to-meditate-the-buddhas-7-step-diagnostic-toolkit/)) ([Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf7BxI8bNDw)) - Important sutta on understanding Hindrances and Bojjhanga factors - SN46.37 Āvaraṇanīvaraṇasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/sn46.37/en/sujato)) - The 5 Hindrances "obstructs" wisdom whereas the 7 Bojjhanga factors "unobstructs" it - [[{Vilas Blog} Practical Anapanassatikatha#1 & 2. EIGHT Obstacles & EIGHT Solution|Ānāpānassatikathā]] - AN9.40 Nāgasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/an9.40/en/sujato)) - How to practice alone and remove the 5 hindrances ![[(Best) {Vilas Blog} From Ignorance to Awakening#33 Nīvaraṇa]]