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| 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:
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 six paramitas | 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 three higher realms | 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'.
Category of Buddhist Key Terms Category of Enumerations Category of 04-Four