What Nourishes and Denourishes the Hindrances to Progress in Life, Buddhism and Yoga?
Yoga and Buddhist teachers, scholars and commentators will tell us that one of the most important teachings of these mind development and spiritual disciplines is that of the hindrances, those being the mental, verbal, physical and behavioral tendencies and states that obstruct progress in them. It is also pointed out by knowledgeable teachers, scholars and commentators that these are the same things that can block progress in ones life to greater personal satisfaction, joy, and material advancement and success. An examination of the hindrances, whether in the Buddhist or Yoga context or outside of it will verify this view. If we are doubtful people, doubt being one of these hindrances, how can we have or find the direction to improve ourselves and learn from and with others? If we have tendencies to ill will, another one of the hindrances, can we really cultivate a healthy, sharing and respectful relationship with others at home, at work and among our social circle? And if we are chronically sluggish and lazy, still another one of the hindrances, can we really pursue in a wise and diligent manner anything that will bring us financial, material or joyful benefits or results? So these teachings of both Yoga and Buddhism can have a practical usage in our life to both learn and study. If we are going to do such a thing, whether in the context of our life or in the context of a broader and more in - depth application of Yoga and Buddhist teachings and disciplines, we will benefit when we better know and understand what those things are that nourish and strengthen these hindrances and what those things are that denourish and weaken these hindrances. Many of these habits and routines that denourish and weaken the hindrances are already recognized as being things that we should do and not do in order to improve, maintain and have good mental and physical health, those being things such as not overeating, doing some exercise and getting some fresh air and sunshine each day and avoiding too much time being sedentary or watching television. Other practices are more a part of the specific disciplines of Yoga and Buddhism, things such a meditation, Yoga posture practice and breathing techniques, and wisdom as regards what we eat, who we associate with and how we associate with them. Below, in a summarized form, we present some of those things that can nourish the hindrances and some of the things that can denourish the hindrances. Things that can nourish and strengthen the hindrances are: An obsessive or compulsive attention to beautiful or desirable objects Overeating Compulsive or impulsive shopping and an acquisition of material goods that are not needed or necessary to ones life and existence Impatience An inability to listen to or understand others An inability to see the universality of life and the life experience A tendency to see oneself as being the center of the universe or better or more important then other people A pre-occupation with materialism and material and financial gain A lack of physical exercise during each day A lack of physical effort and exercise after eating Watching too much television Comparing oneself to other people Laziness The habitual and regular use of drugs, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine Sitting listlessly or not being involved in a constructive activity Things that can denourish and weaken the hindrances are: Right Understanding and all of the steps and mental, verbal, physical and behavioral disciplines as put forth in The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism Non - violence in thought, word and action to others and oneself Austerity and simplicity in life and living Non greed Honesty Non stealing Self - study Mindfulness Concentration practice and activities that focus the mind Meditation Meditating on impure objects Meditating on the impurity of ones own and anothers body The practice of Yoga postures and breathing techniques Guarding of the sense doors Moderation in eating Diligent study of the teachings and scriptures of Yoga and Buddhism Healthy friendships Healthy, suitable and respectful conversations Contentment with and appreciation for what one has and can experience each day Understanding that one may be and should be held accountable for their actions Devoting oneself to meditation on and the practice of loving kindness Joy and faith Energy and effort applied to purposeful activities and work Taking walks and doing exercise in the open air Participating in individual and group sports Planning ones day Purposeful work An understanding of ones intentions and motivations regarding their words and actions To learn, understand and successfully implement some of these habits and routines may require that we have a teacher or attend classes with like - minded people who are on a like minded endeavor, while others may be brought about just through our individual mindfulness, understanding, effort, strength and discipline. Sometimes our present environment and the people that make it up do not have the mindfulness or energy to embark on such a thing or may even act as an obstacle to learning, understanding and applying these new and healthy habits and disciplines through their negativity or critical attitudes to them and anyone who embarks on making such a change in their life. If we are around such people by choice or not, we need to understand what our objectives are in trying to learn new ways and make changes in our life, that being the be healthier, happier and wiser and stick with pursuing those objectives. ©2006 John C. Kimbrough (Please refer to the attachment for more information on the hindrances) Yours in Yoga, John __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! 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