The One and Only Goddess

Buddhist Thoughts

Even though one may encounter a wise teacher and the true sutra and thereby embrace the correct teaching, when one resolves to break free from the sufferings of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, one will inevitably encounter seven grave matters known as the three obstacles and four devils, just as surely as a shadow follows the body and clouds accompany rain. Even if you should manage to overcome the first six, if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha.

(WND, 894)
Letter to Misawa
Written to Misawa Kojiro on February 23, 1278

Side Note:

The three obstacles are:

1. the obstacle of earthly desires;
2. the obstacle of karma; and
3. the obstacle of retribution (also obstacles caused by one’s superiors, such as rulers or parents).

The four devils are:

1. the hindrance of the five components;
2. the hindrance of earthly desires;
3. the hindrance of death (because untimely death obstructs one’s practice of Buddhism, or because the premature death of another practitioner causes doubts); and
4. the hindrance of the devil king.