A Heap of the Unskillful (Akusalarāsisutta)
First published: February 28, 2026
What you learn
This sutta teaches a fundamental contrast between unwholesome and wholesome mental states. Here the Buddha explains that the five hindrances (sensual desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness and remorse, and doubt) constitute a complete "heap of the unwholesome." In direct opposition, the four establishments of mindfulness (observing body, feelings, mind, and phenomena) form a complete "heap of the wholesome." The teaching presents these as two comprehensive categories that encompass the essential obstacles to and supports for spiritual development.
Where it sits
This discourse appears in the Satipatthana Samyutta, the collection of suttas focused on the foundations of mindfulness practice. The sutta provides a clear doctrinal framework that connects two major meditation topics: the hindrances that obstruct mental clarity and the mindfulness practices that cultivate it. This teaching complements other discourses in the Connected Discourses that explore the relationship between mental obstacles and contemplative practices. The binary presentation of wholesome versus unwholesome mental factors reflects a common pedagogical approach found throughout the early Buddhist texts.
Suggested use
Use this teaching to develop clear recognition of mental states during meditation and daily activities. When you notice the arising of any of the five hindrances, immediately redirect attention to one of the four foundations of mindfulness practice. This creates a practical framework for transforming unwholesome mental states into opportunities for cultivating awareness and wisdom.
Guidance
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SN 47.5 — A Heap of the Unskillful (Akusalarāsisutta)
sn47.5:gu:0001Guidance (not part of the sutta)
sn47.5:gu:0002What this discourse is really about
sn47.5:gu:0003In just a few powerful sentences, this discourse creates one of the most memorable contrasts in all the suttas—two heaps that define our entire spiritual landscape. On one side sits a "heap of the unwholesome": the five hindrances that cloud our minds and obstruct clear seeing. On the other stands a "heap of the wholesome": the four foundations of mindfulness that illuminate our path to freedom. This stark imagery cuts through philosophical complexity to reveal something beautifully simple yet profound.
sn47.5:gu:0004What makes this teaching so compelling is its radical completeness. The text doesn't say these are "some unwholesome states" or "helpful practices"—it declares them the totality of what hinders and what helps. This discourse offers you a clear map of the inner territory you're navigating every day, showing exactly where your attention gets trapped and precisely how mindfulness becomes your liberation. It's a teaching that transforms scattered spiritual efforts into focused understanding of what truly matters.
sn47.5:gu:0005Key teachings
sn47.5:gu:0006- The five hindrances (sensual desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness and remorse, and doubt) represent the complete category of unwholesome mental states that obstruct spiritual development.
- The four establishments of mindfulness (observing body, feelings, mind, and phenomena) constitute the complete category of wholesome mental cultivation that supports awakening.
- These two categories are mutually exclusive and comprehensive—when mindfulness is present, hindrances tend to weaken, and when hindrances dominate, clear awareness is absent.
- The practice involves maintaining ardent effort, clear comprehension, and mindfulness while removing covetousness and displeasure toward worldly experiences.
Common misunderstandings
sn47.5:gu:0008- Practitioners often believe they must eliminate hindrances before beginning mindfulness practice, when actually the cultivation of mindfulness itself displaces unwholesome states.
- Some assume that experiencing hindrances indicates failure in practice, rather than recognizing their arising as opportunities to strengthen mindfulness and understanding.
- Many practitioners focus on fighting against hindrances directly instead of redirecting attention to one of the four foundations of mindfulness.
Try this today
sn47.5:gu:0010- When sensual desire, ill will, dullness, restlessness, or doubt arises during meditation or daily activities, immediately shift attention to observing present-moment bodily sensations, emotional feelings, mental states, or mental phenomena rather than trying to change or eliminate the hindrance.
- Establish a daily routine of systematically observing each foundation of mindfulness—spend time each day deliberately noting physical sensations, emotional tones, mental states, and the arising and passing of thoughts and perceptions.
- During challenging situations, use the recognition of hindrances as a signal to activate mindful observation rather than becoming caught in the content of the unwholesome state.
If this landed, read next
sn47.5:gu:0012- SN 46.51 - Explains how the seven factors of awakening relate to the five hindrances, providing additional context for understanding the relationship between wholesome and unwholesome mental factors.
- MN 10 - The comprehensive Satipatthana Sutta that details the complete instructions for practicing the four foundations of mindfulness mentioned in this teaching.
- SN 46.2 - Describes the specific conditions that feed and starve the five hindrances, offering practical guidance for weakening unwholesome states through proper attention.