Reading guide
Two discourses' own claims, now combined in one
SN 46.33 and 46.34 made their own respective claims (gold corrupted by metals; awakening factors not corrupted) as two separate discourses. This one presents both halves together within a single unified statement, confirmed by direct reading to use the identical closing formula already met at SN 46.34 (“not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind... lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom”) for its own second half.
A specific effect named: weakening wisdom
“Paññāya dubbalīkaraṇā” (“that weaken wisdom”) names a precise cognitive effect of the five hindrances, distinct from this vagga's own other descriptions (brittleness, at SN 46.33; destroying vision, at SN 46.40) — each discourse in this vagga supplying its own distinct angle on the same underlying five obstructions.
Key terms
The text
§1 — the five hindrances that weaken wisdom“Mendicants, there are these five obstacles and hindrances, corruptions of the heart that weaken wisdom. What five? Sensual desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness and remorse, and doubt. These are the five obstacles and hindrances, corruptions of the heart that weaken wisdom.
§2 — the seven awakening factors, not corruptionsThere are these seven awakening factors that are not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom. What seven? The awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity. These seven awakening factors are not obstacles, hindrances, or corruptions of the mind. When developed and cultivated they lead to the realization of the fruit of knowledge and freedom.”
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