Nivarana - Hindrances

distracting & obstructing moods, thoughts, & reactions

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Hindering Moods & Distracting Thoughts (2015 series)

1. Pleasure Seeking (kamachanda)

2. Irritability (vyapada)

3. Sloth & Torpor (thinamiddha) and discussion

4. Worry & Flurry (uddacca-kukuccha)

5. Doubt (vicikiccha)

6. Shame & Guilt

7. Whatever You Like

Older talks on the Hindrances (Nivarana)

The hindrances are gnat-like moods that interfere with the mind's capacity to focus, calm, and be clear. Traditional Buddhist meditation literature speaks of them as the obstacles to concentration and absorption. They also get in the way of insight, naturally, and mindfulness in daily life. Understanding them and how to deal with them is essential to Dhamma practice, especially meditation.

1st ... Overview of the Hindrances

(18 July 2004 |5.4 mb)

2nd ... Learning & Antidoting: dealing with the coarser hindrances

(25 July 2004 | 6.04 mb)

3rd ... Subtleties & Absorption: dropping the finer hindrances

(1 August 2004 | 4.6 mb)

Obstacles of Meditation: Distracting Thoughts

This pair of suttas are important explorations of how to practice with the thoughts that arise during meditation (which also has everyday life applications). The strategies and practices offered are more radical than generally found in American Buddhism.

MN 19: On Two Ways of Thinking (MP3, 7.7 mb)

... group discussion (MP3, 5.8 mb)

MN 20: On the Removal of Distractions (MP3 to be posted)

Associated readings can be found here.


Anapanasati (mindfulness with breathing)

Click here for list.

Mindfulness & Heart Virtues for Healing

Click here for list.


If you have benefited from these talks, please consider supporting this website and the other activities of Liberation Park.


Other audio indexes

Healing Virtues (2012)

Dependent Co-Origination Class (June & July 2004)

Selflessness (Anatta) in the Suttas (October 2004)

New Years Retreats 2005 & 2006

Talks on Freedom in Buddhism & the USA

Buddhism & the 12 Steps

Other topics