How the Hindrances Ruin Our Memory (AN 5:193) | Ajahn Nitho & Ajahn Canda | 23rd May 2026

Ven Candā and Ajahn Nitho reflect on AN 5.193, which describes the five hindrances of sense desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness and remorse, and doubt, and how they impact the mind. Participants bring up a variety of their own experiences with the hindrances for discussion. [0:00] Intro, sutta reading, and reflections [14:55] Benefits of a restrained environment [19:33] Letting grief settle [23:05] Navigating the desert of the mind [26:26] Just an unpleasant feeling (using mindfulness and investigation) [32:26] Walking meditation to confront doubt [35:22] Not understanding the escape [40:35] Patience as constancy [44:05] Delusion and inaction [49:26] A spectrum of ill will [52:01] Uplifting the mind and experimenting [57:14] Forgetfulness not related to hindrances (neurodiversity, too much guarding, dementia) Sutta references: AN 5.193: With Sangārava https://suttacentral.net/an5.193/en/s... MN 17: Jungle Thickets (a conducive environment) https://suttacentral.net/mn17/en/suja... AN 3.102: Basis (sprinkling water) https://suttacentral.net/an3.102/en/s... MN 152: Development of the Faculties https://suttacentral.net/mn152/en/suj... ✨ Anukampa Grove is our new Bhikkhuni residence: the first of its kind in the UK! Your help is especially appreciated at this exciting time: https://anukampaproject.org/donate ️ ✨ Standing orders help us plan ahead and cover our running costs. ✨ Please click SUBSCRIBE to help us spread the Dhamma! ABOUT US: Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project was founded in 2016 by Ven Canda and Ajahn Brahm. The charity aims to spread the Buddha's teachings and give women the opportunity to practice as bhikkhunis for the first time in UK history, by establishing a monastic residence for bhikkhunis. This second aim was accomplished in March 2024, when we procured a property in a secluded woodland hamlet near Oxford, called Anukampa Grove, where Ven Canda now resides. Donations of any amount are gratefully received and help support the monastics'