fetters (saṃyojana)

Factors that keep us bound to cyclic existence and impede the attainment of liberation. The five lower fetters—view of a personal identity, deluded doubt, view of rules and practices, sensual desire, and malice—bind us to rebirth in the desire realm. The five higher fetters— desire for existence in the form realm, desire for existence in the formless realm, arrogance, restlessness, and ignorance—prevent nonreturners from becoming arhats.