Obstacles to Practice and Methods of Overcoming Them

There are two main obstacles to practice: the afflictive obstacle and the cognitive obstacle. The afflictive obstacle refers to our inner attachments—attachment to things, attachment to feelings, and craving for favorable conditions;

anger—being unable to tolerate adversity; ignorance—being unable to accept the truth; pride—being arrogant and enjoying comparisons with others; doubt—not seeking understanding, but directly generating confusion.
The cognitive obstacle can be simply explained as our deeply ingrained habits formed from the teachings of our parents and the influences of our social environment since birth, leading to habitual thought patterns. When we become accustomed to a certain way of living or a particular mindset, changing it is not easy. However, we can transform it through various skillful methods in Buddhism, such as cultivating renunciation and developing compassion to foster good habits and insights. Otherwise, these two obstacles will cause us to cycle through the six realms.

We repeatedly observe and contemplate the cycle of birth and death until we naturally integrate the truth into our hearts. This way, we will cherish life and dedicate our lives to practice and benefiting others. Each person’s conditions for fortune, karma, and foundational qualities are different; therefore, the speed at which one progresses in practice will vary. Afflictive habits cannot be eradicated all at once; we need sustained confidence and courage in overcoming them.

Afflictive habits can be subdued. Coarse afflictions can be transformed by recognizing their faults and harms they bring us, as well as by cultivating bodhicitta. Stronger habits require resolution through meditation: first treating these afflictions as objects of meditation; then observing the arising and passing away of afflictive thoughts until they naturally dissipate; finally recognizing their essence while in a state of natural relaxation.