Taming the five hindrances

• Five methods for counteracting distracting thoughts
• Paying attention to a virtuous object
• Antidotes for specific afflictions or thoughts
• Examining the disadvantages of distracting thoughts
• Not giving attention
• Seeing the formation of the thoughts
• Observing the formation of the thoughts
• Crushing the mind with the mind
• Using conception to develop serenity

57 Taming the Five Hindrances (download)

Contemplation points

1. Take some time to review the five hindrances and how they arise both in your daily life and meditation sessions. Make personal examples from your own experience. Resolve to be on the lookout for them and apply the antidotes.
2. Contemplate each of the methods shared in the Discourse on the Removal of Distracting Thoughts. Spend some time identifying the specific antidotes to each hindrance using each of the five methods (use the text from Following in the Buddha’s Footsteps as a guide through each of the subpoints). Practice applying them to experiences of the hindrances you’ve had in the past. How does it work to tame the hindrance in your mind?
   • Pay attention to a virtuous object. Precisely contemplate the opposite of the distracting thought or emotion.
   • Examine the danger and disadvantages of those distracting thoughts
   • Do not give attention to those thoughts; ignore them.
   • Examine the formation of these thoughts.
   • Do not give attention to those thoughts; ignore them.
   • “Crush mind with mind”
3. It’s important to understand that there is a difference between 1) repressing the mind and 2) working with the hindrances in a constructive way. Describe this in your own words and make some examples of what each might look like.
4. Conception/thoughts can be employed in a beneficial way. It is not that we’re to clear our mind of all thoughts. What are some ways conception is used to benefit our lives and meditation sessions? What are some ways conception can be detrimental to our lives and meditation sessions?