We have two obstacles in our spiritual practice.
First, we are pulled by our outwardly-directed senses. Second we are pulled by ourselves, which means that we are too attached and too anxious in seeking liberation and enlightenment.
We always persist in knowing when we can get enlightenment,
why we have not obtained enlightenment, and why we have not seen the light.
These persistent desires are also obstacles.
If this is not the case, then the other kind of obstacle is our outwardly-directed senses.
We have relationships with the world outside.
We mix with our children, husbands and wives everyday;
so our minds and attentions are pulled to those directions.
It is thus hard for us to focus steadfastly at our own wisdom centers,
and as a result our spiritual practice becomes more difficult.