What is the Three Obstacles 三障？
Paul PengThe Three Obstacles refer to demonic obstacles, karmic obstacles, and calamitous obstacles.
Demonic obstacles: Arise from delusions such as greed, anger, and ignorance, giving rise to "demonic obstacles."
Karmic obstacles: Result from evil deeds like the five heinous sins and the ten evils, forming "karmic obstacles."
Calamitous obstacles: Manifest through encounters with misfortunes such as the three great calamities and eight kinds of tribulations, thus revealing "calamitous obstacles."
Part of the Series
This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
View Full Guide → ✦ Explore All Topics
