Four obscurations: Difference between revisions
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'''Four obscurations''' (Tib. ''dribpa shyi''; [[Wyl.]] ''sgrib pa bzhi''). There are four [[obscurations]] that hinder us from realizing our true nature. They are: | [[Image:Skycloudsun.jpg|thumb|350px|The sun covered by clouds, a common metaphor for [[buddha nature]] obscured by the obscurations]]'''Four obscurations''' (Tib. ''dribpa shyi''; [[Wyl.]] ''sgrib pa bzhi''). There are four [[obscurations]] that hinder us from realizing our true nature. They are: | ||
*[[karmic obscurations]], | *[[karmic obscurations]], | ||
*[[emotional obscurations]], | *[[emotional obscurations]], | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
:Any thought involving the three conceptual spheres of subject, object and action, which impedes the complete accomplishment of the transcendent perfections, is held to be a cognitive obscuration. | :Any thought involving the three conceptual spheres of subject, object and action, which impedes the complete accomplishment of the transcendent perfections, is held to be a cognitive obscuration. | ||
:The '''habitual obscurations''' are explained according to the [[sutra]]s as extremely subtle forms of cognitive obscuration, like the scent left behind in a container which once held musk. In the [[mantra]] tradition, they are the habitual tendencies of the transference of the three appearances, which are to be overcome by vajra-like primordial wisdom. | :The '''habitual obscurations''' are explained according to the [[sutra]]s as extremely subtle forms of cognitive obscuration, like the scent left behind in a container which once held musk. In the [[mantra]] tradition, they are the habitual tendencies of the transference of the [[three appearances]], which are to be overcome by vajra-like primordial wisdom. | ||
:What do these four kinds of obscuration obscure? | :What do these four kinds of obscuration obscure? | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
::Infringements of vows obscure the temporary attainment of the higher realms and the ultimate attainment of the three kinds of [[enlightenment]]. | ::Infringements of vows obscure the temporary attainment of the higher realms and the ultimate attainment of the three kinds of [[enlightenment]]. | ||
::Emotional obscurations obscure [[liberation]]. | ::Emotional obscurations obscure [[liberation]]. | ||
::Cognitive obscurations and habitual obscurations obscure the level of [[omniscience]]. | ::Cognitive obscurations and habitual obscurations obscure the level of [[omniscience]]. | ||
==Further Reading== | ==Further Reading== | ||
*[[Khenpo Ngawang Palzang]], ''[[A Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher]]'' | *[[Khenpo Ngawang Palzang]], ''[[A Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher]]'' (Boston & London: Shambhala, 2004), pages 221-225. | ||
*[[Thinley Norbu]], ''The Small Golden Key'' (Shambhala Publications, 1999), '11. The Four Obscurations'. | |||
[[Category:Key Terms]] | [[Category:Key Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Enumerations]] | [[Category:Enumerations]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:04-Four]] | ||
Latest revision as of 09:22, 8 September 2013
Four obscurations (Tib. dribpa shyi; Wyl. sgrib pa bzhi). There are four obscurations that hinder us from realizing our true nature. They are:
Commentary
Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol says:
- Karmic obscurations include naturally negative actions and infringements of vows.
- Emotional obscurations were defined by Lord Maitreya as:
- Any thought involving avarice and so on
- Is held to be an emotional obscuration.
- Any thought involving avarice, lack of ethical discipline and so on, which impedes the pure enactment of the transcendent perfections, is held to be an emotional obscuration.
- Regarding cognitive obscurations, Lord Maitreya says:
- Any thought involving subject, object and action,
- Is held to be a cognitive obscuration.
- Any thought involving the three conceptual spheres of subject, object and action, which impedes the complete accomplishment of the transcendent perfections, is held to be a cognitive obscuration.
- The habitual obscurations are explained according to the sutras as extremely subtle forms of cognitive obscuration, like the scent left behind in a container which once held musk. In the mantra tradition, they are the habitual tendencies of the transference of the three appearances, which are to be overcome by vajra-like primordial wisdom.
- What do these four kinds of obscuration obscure?
- Naturally negative actions obscure the temporary attainment of the higher realms.
- Infringements of vows obscure the temporary attainment of the higher realms and the ultimate attainment of the three kinds of enlightenment.
- Emotional obscurations obscure liberation.
- Cognitive obscurations and habitual obscurations obscure the level of omniscience.
Further Reading
- Khenpo Ngawang Palzang, A Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher (Boston & London: Shambhala, 2004), pages 221-225.
- Thinley Norbu, The Small Golden Key (Shambhala Publications, 1999), '11. The Four Obscurations'.