Book Group ONLINE with Patricia Austin

Each month, our Book Group facilitators choose a title from the library’s collection of free digital resources. Participants download the eBook and spend the month reading and reflecting on it. On the final Friday, the group gathers online via Zoom to discuss their insights, share perspectives, and deepen their understanding of Buddhism.

We welcome you to join us!

Throughout the teachings of the Buddha are many lists. For the May meeting we will discuss the list known as The Five Hindrances. These can arise during meditation and be seen as obstacles to calmness. We can work with these mental states to develop a deep understanding of our mind.

The Five Hindrances are:
1. Sensual desire
2. Ill-will, negativity, aversion
3. Sleepiness and dullness (sloth and torpor)
4. Restlessness and mental agitation
5. Doubt

The following readings suggest ways to explore the hindrances that arise for us, and how through practising awareness we can learn to observe and distance ourselves from these states.

1. This is a beautiful discussion of how the hindrances affect us in our everyday lives and how to minimize their impact on us.
Being nobody, going nowhere: meditation on the Buddhist Path’ by Ayya Khema “The Five Hindrances” pages 46-75

2. Some helpful similes and advice for meditation in this dhamma talk.
‘Abundant, Exalted, Immeasurable’ by Pasanno Bhikkhu “The Five Hindrances” pages 53 – 63

The readings are available at the above links from the Buddhist Library catalogue.

Register here