The Hindrances

A dear friend of mine, Denise, has been offering classes on the Dharma that I have been attending as of late. For those who don't know, Dharma is the teachings of the Buddha. A topic that came up in Denise's lectures is the idea of the hindrances to awakening. These are listed below: Sense Desire Aversion/Ill-Will Restlessness and Worry Sloth and Torpor Doubt The hindrances are inner qualities that make calm and clarity difficult. Astrology would blame the day I was born for the prevalence of sense desire in my life. Generalization is that Taurus is a slave to their senses and I am no exception. I love the sound of running water. The beauty of the sun rising or setting behind an alpine landscape. The feel of fine fabrics. Smell of fresh wild flowers blooming in spring. Taste of delicious food. This last one in particular is something I've struggled with for the last 12 odd years. I was in a self-inflicted car accident that severed my olfactory nerve, left me without a sense of smell…