The Buddha’s teachings are often compared to a finger pointing to the moon. Without that finger, we might never lift our gaze and see for ourselves. Tonight’s talk offers encouragement to stay present and awake as a lived experience so that we can lead a more centered, caring, ethical life. As Dharma practitioners, we make efforts to be more present for the experiences in ourselves and others. As we do so we’ll surely hear and see things we didn’t expect or want. Here, the teaching of the five hindrances supports us to shift our gaze yet again, recognize more clearly and respond differently when wisdom and caring are weakened. With these skills, we will know for sure there is no bad habit or difficult situation that cannot be softened and worked with—even liberated.

Looking at Wise Effort and common ways our effort gets unbalanced; includes a brief overview of the five hindrances that get in the way of insight

A short overview of the five hindrances, particular mental qualities that get in the way of clear seeing

A brief introduction to Mindfulness of Dhammas, focusing on the five hindrances and the seven awakening factors

Section on Dhamma: Five Hindrances, Five Aggregates, Six Sense Spheres, Seven Factors of Awakening

How to cultivate a correct view of the hindrances and how to include them in our practice.

When we meet hindrances with loving awareness they nourish wisdom & compassion.