Lesson 4: The Five Skandhas (Aggregates)

Instructions:

Complete the reading, ‘The Five Skandhas’ by Peter Della Santina; you download this reading below. You can then work through the Investigations, watch the videos and work through the exercises.

Note: You can also download the lesson’s investigations and exercises in the tab above.

Introduction:

It is the teaching on Annata (Not-Self) and the five Skandhas (Aggregates), that separates Buddhism from most other schools of thought and religions. While most religions, philosophies and schools of thought propose a soul, essence, something that is singular, Buddhism negates this and puts forward the understanding of Annata, or the Five Aggregates, that what we consider self, is actually a construct of parts rather than a singular entity. In this lesson we’ll look at what Buddhism considers this self to be.

Reading:

Download and Read Chapter 12 ‘The Five Aggregates’ in The Tree of Enlightenment by Peter Della Santina.

The Five Skandhas (Aggregates)

The five aggregates are Form, feeling, perception, volition, and consciousness.

Investigations

Could you please provide definitions for consciousness, physical factors, and mind?

Furthermore, could you elaborate on how these three elements intertwine to give rise to our individual experiences

In his explanation, the Author delves into the concept of the three aggregates: feeling, perception, and volition (or mental formation). These aggregates play a pivotal role in transforming mere awareness of an object into a deeply personalized experience. Can you rephrase the Author’s elaboration in your own words to convey this insightful process?

Can you provide an example of how an experience of these three may take place simultaneously?

The concept of aggregates suggests that our perception of a singular, unified self is actually a composite result of these five fundamental factors at play. Do you find this idea agreeable or disagree? Feel free to share your thoughts and reasons behind your perspective.

In Buddhism, the prevalent notion of self being seen as a singular, unchanging essence is considered problematic. From your perspective, why do you think this idea of a fixed self is regarded as a challenge or an obstacle within the context of Buddhist teachings? Please share your thoughts and insights on this matter.

Exercise

Write a poem, or a paragraph around you (the I) being the centre of the universe. Exaggerate as much as you like and have fun. Then write what could be problematic with it. Can you see any references to how this plays out in your life?

Watch:

Mind training by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Congratulations, you have now completed lesson 4, and Section 2.

Click on next below to proceed to Section 2 assessment.