Four obscurations 四障

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,
• emotional obscurations,
• cognitive obscurations and
• habitual obscurations.

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'.