The 5 Mental Barrennesses

Overview

The “barrennesses” or “wastelands” of the mind (cetokhila) are states of psychological stiffness and hostility. Just as seeds cannot grow in a field choked with hard stumps, a monk’s mind cannot grow in the Dhamma if it is hardened by doubt or resentment. If these exist, the mind will not incline toward ardor or perseverance.

The List

1. Doubt in the Teacher: Having doubts, uncertainty, and lack of confidence in the Buddha.
2. Doubt in the Dhamma: Having doubts, uncertainty, and lack of confidence in the Teaching.
3. Doubt in the Saṅgha: Having doubts, uncertainty, and lack of confidence in the Community.
4. Doubt in the Training: Having doubts, uncertainty, and lack of confidence in the rules of training and meditation.
5. Anger towards companions: Being angry, displeased, and resentful toward one’s fellow monks, acting like a barren wasteland toward them.

Textual References

• Canonical: Cetokhila Sutta (MN 16) – The Buddha states that anyone whose mind is bound by these five barrennesses cannot achieve growth, increase, or fulfillment in this Dhamma and Vinaya.