The Buddha teaches on obstacles, presenting a sixfold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 6.86 Obstacles

“Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato suṇantopi saddhammaṁ abhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattaṁ. Katamehi chahi? Kammāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, kilesāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, vipākāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, assaddho ca hoti, acchandiko ca, duppañño ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato suṇantopi saddhammaṁ abhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattaṁ.

Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato suṇanto saddhammaṁ bhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattaṁ. Katamehi chahi? Na kammāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, na kilesāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, na vipākāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, saddho ca hoti, chandiko ca, paññavā ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato suṇanto saddhammaṁ bhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattan”ti.

Dutiyaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato suṇantopi saddhammaṁ abhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattaṁ.

“Mendicants, someone with six qualities is unable to step into the sure path with regards to skillful qualities even when listening to the true teaching.

Katamehi chahi?

What six?

Kammāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, kilesāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, vipākāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, assaddho ca hoti, acchandiko ca, duppañño ca.

They’re obstructed by deeds, defilements, or results. And they’re faithless, unenthusiastic, and witless.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato suṇantopi saddhammaṁ abhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattaṁ.

Someone with these six qualities is unable to step into the sure path with regards to skillful qualities, even when listening to the true teaching.

Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato suṇanto saddhammaṁ bhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattaṁ.

Someone with six qualities is able to step into the sure path with regards to skillful qualities when listening to the true teaching.

Katamehi chahi?

What six?

Na kammāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, na kilesāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, na vipākāvaraṇatāya samannāgato hoti, saddho ca hoti, chandiko ca, paññavā ca.

They’re not obstructed by deeds, defilements, or results. And they’re faithful, enthusiastic, and wise.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato suṇanto saddhammaṁ bhabbo niyāmaṁ okkamituṁ kusalesu dhammesu sammattan”ti.

Someone with these six qualities is able to step into the sure path with regards to skillful qualities when listening to the true teaching.”

Dutiyaṁ.

Qualities:

Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction, self-assurance
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Wholesome

Wholesome

Conducive to or suggestive of good health and mental well-being.

Also known as: blameless, skillful, beneficial, good, useful, healthy, nourishing, sustaining
Pāli: kusala
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Last updated on July 27, 2026