Why Does Greater Diligence Lead to More Hindrances?

Practicing Buddhism is like riding a bicycle against the wind or sailing a boat against the current—the faster the vehicle moves, the greater the resistance. Karmic conditions are like the wind and water: yielding to them leads to rebirth in the three evil destinies, while resisting them leads to liberation and nirvana. Naturally, yielding is comfortable, requiring no effort and allowing one to slide downhill automatically, while resistance brings heavy obstacles and arduous progress. However, practitioners should be courageous, undaunted by hindrances and obstacles. The greater the resistance, the more fiercely they must charge forward, refusing to be manipulated and controlled by karmic forces.

Breaking through karmic obstacles in one vigorous effort is the most effortless approach. Retreating when encountering resistance only results in perpetual barriers that obstruct liberation. Those who practice Buddhism halfheartedly experience no hindrances: their families are harmonious, careers successful, bodies healthy, and wealth continuously grows. Secular life proceeds smoothly without interference or demonic obstacles. This is because your lack of diligence shows no sign of renunciation, making it unnecessary to disturb you. After all, you remain a guest destined for the three evil destinies, so creditors need not worry about collecting debts, and adversaries are unconcerned about you escaping their grasp. Due to your lack of diligence, you also fail to stir dormant karmic seeds, preventing them from ripening prematurely and bringing retribution. Once retribution is exhausted, you become debt-free and light, enabling smooth practice. However, if karmic seeds remain unripe and karmic conditions fail to manifest, they continue to lie dormant in the alaya-vijnana, binding you to the cycle of rebirth in the six realms without refuge, forever obstructing liberation.