title: Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances
author:  Gil Fronsdal 
description: As a meditator and Buddhist teacher Gil Fronsdal has been studying the forces of mind his entire adult life. Starting Zen practice in 1975 as a young man Gil quickly learned that he did not need to define himself by the hindrances. In particular he learned there are better ways of living than being ordered around by sensual desire, ill will and doubt. In 1984 Gil started Vipassana practice which taught him to look more carefully into his mind and heart. He then discovered peaceful alternatives to sloth and restlessness. Wishing to help anyone and everyone who suffers, Gil became a Zen priest in 1982, started training to be a Vipassana teacher with Jack Kornfield in 1989, and entered a doctoral program in Buddhist Studies at Stanford University in 1990. His doctoral thesis was on the Indian origin of the bodhisattva ideal. Inspired by those devoted to the practices of meditation, integrity, compassion, and inner freedom Gil founded the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA and, in 2012, the Insight Retreat Center in Santa Cruz, CA. Through his writings and his recorded talks available at Audiodharma.org, many people have appreciated the clarity of his teachings. Gil has authored a number of books. His teachings on mindfulness are published in "The Issue at Hand," the teaching tales he composed to provoke deeper reflection are found in "A Monastery Within" and his careful and elegant translation of the "Dhammapada," the much loved collection of early Buddhist verses, is published by Shambhala Publications. Gil is a husband and father of two boys. Through family life he has refined his understanding of the hindrances as well as the ease and love found when they no longer hinder.
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  # _Skins of Prophecy_
  
  
  “You will seek that which cannot be had and find disappointment. But you will
  gain much; more than you lose. You will learn those things you reject and find
  that friendship is the strongest bond.
  
  
  “There is water—beware the water, Calandryll! You must cross it to find what
  you seek, though men say it does not exist. There is danger, but you will be
  protected, not alone. There is a teacher, though you may not welcome his
  lessons. Trust him! And one will come after, also to be trusted.
  
  
  “You will travel far and see things no southern man has seen, perhaps no man
  at all. There is … No! I cannot see it … It hides behind itself. It is
  forbidden … I cannot …”
  
  
  The voice grew harsh, choking. Reba began to cough, and the strange spell was
  broken.
  
  
  Alarmed, Calandryll sprang to his feet….
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  BANTAM BOOKS BY ANGUS WELLS  
    
  
  
  _Book of the Kingdoms #1: Wrath of Ashar_
  
  
  _Book of the Kingdoms