Robin Beck

The Five Veils

1. 貪欲 {tonyoku}: The Chinese literally means something like coveting. This tends to get conflated with lobha {avarice}; but, in this context, refers specifically to lust, though not just sexual lust. It refers to sensuality in general.
2. 瞋恚 {shinni} or 瞋怒 {shindo}: Literally, this means to be offended, or angry. The same words are used to translate several Buddhist terms; such as dvesa (hatred{, pratigha {displeasure}, upanaha (malice), and kupito (rebelliousness). In this instance, the original is vyapada [enmity}.
3. 沈 {jin / chin}: Depression, dullness.
4. 掉悔 {chokai}: Agitation or shaken and regret or grief.
5. 掉悔 {gi}: Suspicion, mistrust, doubt.

Here are the Originals:

1. Kamachanda: Literally lust-desire; refers to sense desires in general. If we are chanting only to gratify or satiate sensory desires; then we are never going to get past this first hindrance. Moreover, pursuit of creature comforts might result is some joy and bliss; but always leads back to dukkha; to stress, suffering, dissatisfaction, and angst.
2. Vyapada/Byapada: The best translation is probably enmity. There are five or so Indic terms, with specific nuances of meaning, that are generally collapsed into a single Chinese word meaning anger. This one, vyapada, comes from a root meaning resistance. It means ill will, antipathy, enmity, or unfriendliness. Sometimes we hear about Buddhist sects actually cultivating Enmity toward rivals. While that seems obviously wrong, resistance to learning difficult Dharma is also a form of vyapada. In the past, I would sometimes dismiss study as a bunch of useless theory or dogma. My attitude, at those times, was really nothing but sour grapes.
3. Thina-middha: This is, obviously, a compound word. Thina means sloth, laziness, or indolence. Middhi means drowsiness, torpor, listlessness, or mental fog. I know the frame of mind of thina-middhi well, quite well. Boredom, melancholy, sullenness, indifference, or apathy might be decent translations of thina-middhi.
4. Uddhacca-kukkucca: This is another compound word. Uddhacca means be restless, inattentive, wavering, fidgety, agitated, or distracted. Kukkucca translates as anxiety, worry, or remorse ~~ going cuckoo. It is a good and healthy thing to feel shame and guilt. Lack of shame and guilt are deemed impediments to progress in Buddhist practice. However, dwelling on, or obsessing over, remorse; or guilt tripping, can cause one to descend into sullen, morose, or hopeless moods.
5. Vicikiccha: This is generally translated as suspicious or skeptical doubt. I like cynicism as a translation. Vicikiccha means to feel uncertain, unsafe, lacking in confidence and trust. A certain amount of skepticism is healthy though. The question is how to resolve legitimate doubt?

I prefer the originals; some of the concepts might be lost in translation. On the other hand, I kind of like the image of the veils. These are not just five mental states that hinder citta bhavana or spiritual cultivation; they are also veils that obscure something. So, food for thought; how does one lift these veils and enter access concentration? The Maka Shikan passage we looked at also discusses that. Also, what is on the other side?

Stopping and Seeing: A Comprehensive Course in Buddhist Meditation

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