[378] "Suppose, Vāseṭṭha, this river Aciravatī were full of water, brimming to the very edge, so that a crow could drink from it. Then a man should come along wanting the far shore, seeking the far shore, bound for the far shore, desiring to cross over to the far shore; and on the near bank he were to lie down, covering himself from head to foot. What do you think, Vāseṭṭha—could that man go from the near bank of the river Aciravatī to the far bank?"
"No indeed, worthy Gotama."
"Even so, Vāseṭṭha, these five hindrances (nīvaraṇa) are called, in the discipline of the Noble One, 'obstructions,' and also 'hindrances,' and also 'coverings,' and also 'shrouds.' What five? The hindrance of sensual desire, the hindrance of ill will, the hindrance of dullness and drowsiness, the hindrance of restlessness and remorse, and the hindrance of doubt. These five hindrances, Vāseṭṭha, are called, in the discipline of the Noble One, 'obstructions,' and also 'hindrances,' and also 'coverings,' and also 'shrouds.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.