Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro
The Hinayana Abhidharmakosha mentions that there are three types of people who
are most likely to encounter obstacles:
(1) Those in the third stage (the stage of patience) of the four stages on the
path of Preparation (in the Hinayana presentation) – From this stage onward,
one will no longer fall into the three lower realms. As a result, all the
negative karma that could have led to rebirth in the lower realms ripens as
obstacles.
(2) Those who are about to transcend the desire realm by attaining the first
dhyana of the form realm. At this critical juncture, all afflictions associated
with the desire realm will work together to create numerous obstacles in an
attempt to prevent your progress. This is because the law of cause-and-effect
is unfailing. If one were to leave the desire realm without fully experiencing
the consequences of past actions, those karmic results would have no
opportunity to ripen. It is like someone who must settle all debts before
leaving a place. At that moment, all
unresolved negative karma manifests as hindrances, ensuring that the
practitioner receives his due retributions.
Likewise, obstacles arise when one is about to transcend the form realm or the
formless realm.
(3) Those who are on the verge of attaining Arhatship and transcending the
three realms and samsara. Any remaining subtle afflictions that have not yet
been eliminated will emerge as obstacles at this stage.
Apart from these three types of practitioners, the more diligent one is in
spiritual practice, the more obstacles they are likely to encounter. This is
because certain demons, spirits and non-human beings do not wish for sentient
beings to free themselves from demonic hindrances and attain liberation.
If someone is already deeply distracted and not engaging in practice at all,
they are bound to suffer in samsara indefinitely. There is therefore no need for the negative
forces to create additional obstacles. However, for those who practice
diligently, demons and obstructive forces will deliberately interfere and
create difficulties.
Additionally, practitioners of the Mahayana path—those who cultivate bodhicitta
and meditate on emptiness—may experience minor adversities and suffering in
this life, such as headaches or being mistreated by others. However, these
difficulties serve as a way to exhaust heavy karmic debts, preventing greater
suffering in future lives such as falling into hell. Therefore, while diligent
practitioners may face more obstacles, these obstacles can ultimately be
transformed into part of their spiritual path.
