THE FIVE HINDRANCES AND THEIR ELIMINATION

HINDRANCE PRIMARY CONDITION PRIMARY ANTIDOTE OTHER REMEDIES HOW ERADICATED SIMILES
Source of information Sa3yutta 46:51 Sa3yutta 46:51 Satipa66h2na Com- Satipa66h2na Com- Sa3yutta 46:55
mentary, etc. mentary, etc. D1gha 2; Majjhima 39
Sensual desire Careless attention to an Careful attention to an • Guarding senses Path of arahantship • Water mixed with
(k2macchanda) attractive object unattractive object • Moderation in food (based on premise that paints
(subha-nimitta) (asubha-nimitta) • Good friends, suit- here ‘sensual desire’ • Being in debt
able conversation represents all craving)
Ill will Careless attention to a Careful attention to the • Guarding senses Path of non-returner • Boiling water
(by2p2da) repugnant object liberation of the mind • Moderation in food • Severe illness
(pa6igha-nimitta) through loving-kindness • Good friends, suit-
able conversation
Dullness and drowiness Careless attention to Careful attention to the • Moderation in food Path of arahantship • Water overgrown by
(th1namiddha) discontent, lethargy, three elements of • Changing postures moss and algae
torpor after meals, energy: aroused effort, • Perception of light • Imprisonment
sluggishness of mind persistent effort, • Living in open air
vigorous effort • Good friends, suit-
able conversation
Restlessness and Careless attention to the Careful attention to • Much learning Restlessness: path of • Water stirred into
remorse unsettled mind peace of mind • Asking questions arahantship wavelets by wind
(uddhacca-kukkucca) • Skill in Vinaya Remorse: path of non- • Slavery
• Meeting elder monks returner
• Good friends, suit-
able conversation
Doubt Careless attention to Careful attention to • Much learning Path of stream-entry Traveling across a
(vicikicch2) things that are a basis contrasting mental • Asking questions barren desert
for doubt qualities (wholesome • Skill in Vinaya
and unwholesome, etc.) • Resolve
• Good friends, suit-
able conversation

MN 10: Satipatthana Sutta December 28, 2004