Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances

by Gil Fronsdal

This book is an engaging collection of essays, reflections and practices on the Five Hindrances, the primary obstacles to mindfulness and serenity in the teachings of the Buddha. With his characteristic clarity, born from decades of meditation practice and teaching, Gil Fronsdal demonstrates how to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones on the path of freedom.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Meditation, Zen

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2013

About the author

Gil Fronsdal is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center (IMC) of Redwood City. He has a PhD in Buddhist Studies from Stanford University. His many dharma talks available online contain basic information on meditation and Buddhism, as well as subtle concepts of Buddhism explained at the level of the lay person.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This didn't work for me as an evening read, but I took it to the library with a notepad and got a lot out of it. An excellent study tool for developing mindfulness. I love the line in the conclusion that says, "The marvel of sight becomes more wonderful than what is seen."

[Jenna Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, essential reading for all Buddhists. I read this book during my 3-month silent meditation retreat at IMS. It completed opened up my knowledge of the hindrances and what was beneath them. My highest recommendation.

[Dan Charnas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this workbook to be very helpful, and I suspect it would be helpful especially to those who practice Buddhist meditation.

A Buddhist friend of mine recently introduced me to the concept of the five hindrances and assured me that addressing them was the key to daily living on our planet. I was curious; thus I purchased and read Mr. Fronsdal's book.

A chapter is dedicated to each hindrance, along with suggestions about ways to identify them in one's life and their impact upon one's behavior. Fronsdal also suggests exercises to help guide the readers on their individual paths through the hindrances. Lots of food for thought.

I'm not sure that identifying the five hindrances would be considered to be a spoiler - after all, they're listed on the back cover, and I assume that they would be common knowledge among Buddhists. Nevertheless, I'll leave it to you to do your research. 🙂

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read hard copy books these days unless an ebook version is unavailable or the price an extortionate. Ebooks have built-in large print, which I'll need, at least until I get reading clip-ons, cataract surgery, or both. Besides, I have way too many boxes of books.

Unhindered and Issue at Hand are exceptions. I've read the Kindle editions but will have to buy hard copies. Ebooks aren't designed for easy reference or for moving easily between pages. And these two books are keepers. I'll want to refer to them again and again.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and practical book

This book has helped me in so many ways. It was written in such a way that was very relatable and easy to follow. It has helped me tremendously as I continue to work on myself and my journey through life.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing teachings about how to study the hindrances in Buddhist practice! Superb!

Wonderful book for vipassana and zen students! Amazing insights and recommendations for deepening practice and abandoning clinging to the causes of suffering!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bumps to expect on the way to happiness.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very accessible (unlike many of the books in this genre) and had a lot of good advice for meditating.

[Vita Pires, Ph.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this little book. Worth reading again and again. On each read I see something in a new light.