Obstacles (Āvaraṇasutta)
First published: February 28, 2026
What you learn
This sutta teaches about six specific obstacles that prevent spiritual progress even when hearing authentic Dharma teachings. The Buddha identifies three types of karmic obstructions - from past unwholesome actions, mental defilements, and karmic results - along with three deficiencies in faith, enthusiasm, and wisdom. Conversely, freedom from these karmic hindrances combined with the presence of faith, enthusiasm, and wisdom creates the conditions necessary for entering the path to liberation. The teaching emphasizes that both external conditions (hearing true Dharma) and internal readiness are required for spiritual advancement.
Where it sits
This sutta belongs to the Anguttara Nikaya's collection of teachings organized by numerical lists, specifically focusing on sets of six qualities. It complements the more commonly discussed five hindrances (pañca nīvaraṇāni) by addressing deeper karmic and psychological obstacles to practice. The three types of obstructions mentioned here - kammāvaraṇatā, kilesāvaraṇatā, and vipākāvaraṇatā - represent a systematic analysis of how past actions continue to influence present spiritual capacity. This teaching connects with broader Buddhist discussions about the prerequisites for entering the noble path and the relationship between karma and spiritual development.
Suggested use
Use this teaching for honest self-assessment of your current spiritual readiness and capacity for practice. When progress feels blocked despite sincere effort, examine whether karmic obstructions or deficiencies in faith, enthusiasm, or wisdom might be limiting factors requiring patient cultivation over time.
Guidance
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AN 6.86 — Obstacles (Āvaraṇasutta)
an6.86:gu:0001Guidance (not part of the sutta)
an6.86:gu:0002What this discourse is really about
an6.86:gu:0003Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly absorb spiritual teachings while others struggle to make progress despite sincere effort? This discourse cuts straight to the heart of that mystery, revealing the precise conditions that either block or enable genuine spiritual breakthrough when we encounter the Buddha's teachings.
an6.86:gu:0004What makes this sutta particularly valuable is its practical diagnostic framework. Rather than offering abstract philosophy, it presents six specific qualities that function like spiritual barometers—clear indicators of whether we're positioned to receive and integrate wisdom or whether invisible obstacles are sabotaging our efforts. The discourse identifies three types of obstructions that can seal us off from growth, plus three essential qualities that open the door to transformation.
an6.86:gu:0005This approach focuses on developing the self-awareness to recognize what's actually happening in our minds when we sit with teachings. Understanding these dynamics can transform how we approach our spiritual development.
an6.86:gu:0006Key teachings
an6.86:gu:0007- Three karmic obstructions can prevent spiritual progress: obstruction by past unwholesome deeds (kammāvaraṇatā), obstruction by current mental defilements (kilesāvaraṇatā), and obstruction by karmic results already manifesting (vipākāvaraṇatā)
- Faith, enthusiasm, and wisdom are essential internal conditions that must be present alongside freedom from karmic obstructions for entering the path to liberation
- Hearing authentic Dharma teachings alone may be insufficient for spiritual advancement if these six hindering qualities are present
- The teaching presents both negative conditions that block progress and positive conditions that enable it, showing that spiritual readiness requires both the absence of obstacles and the presence of supportive qualities
- Internal readiness and external conditions must align for genuine spiritual development to occur
Common misunderstandings
an6.86:gu:0009- Believing that simply listening to Dharma teachings leads automatically to spiritual progress, when internal conditions and karmic factors significantly influence one's capacity to benefit from teachings
- Assuming that current spiritual difficulties indicate permanent inability to progress, rather than recognizing these as potentially temporary karmic obstructions that can be worked with over time
- Thinking that faith, enthusiasm, and wisdom are fixed traits rather than qualities that can be gradually developed through consistent practice and merit-making activities
Try this today
an6.86:gu:0011- Conduct regular honest self-assessment of your current spiritual capacity by examining whether you experience genuine faith in the teachings, sustained enthusiasm for practice, and growing wisdom from your efforts
- When spiritual progress feels blocked despite sincere effort, investigate whether past unwholesome actions might benefit from purification through confession, making amends, or increased merit-making activities before deeper practice can be effective
- Systematically cultivate the three positive qualities by studying teachings to develop wisdom, engaging in inspiring spiritual activities to maintain enthusiasm, and reflecting on the benefits of practice to strengthen faith
If this landed, read next
an6.86:gu:0013- sn46.51 - Discusses the five hindrances that obstruct meditation and spiritual development, providing complementary understanding of obstacles to practice
- an4.61 - Explains the four kinds of persons based on their spiritual faculties and capacity for awakening, relating to individual differences in spiritual readiness
- mn70 - The Kitagiri Sutta addresses how past actions affect present spiritual capacity and the importance of understanding karmic consequences for practice