Buddha analyses what sentient beings perceive as a Self to be of
five fold, that of the 5 Skhandas:
First, form: Solidity, earth
element, shape.
Second, feelings: Sensations. Not just emotional feelings, but also
physical sensations and so on. Whatever we feel.
The third skandha is perceptions: Experiences, like thoughts,
sights, sounds, and so on. In the second and third skandhas, in
feelings and perceptions, liking and not liking arise. That's when
the whole problem, the whole duality, the whole push and shove
starts. The entire, exhausting treadmill or roller coaster of ups
and downs.
The fourth is will or volition: Intending to do things. That's
where karma comes in. Liking and not liking arise, then from that
devolves reactions. Reactions rather than freedom and
proactivity.
Our form feels things, perceives things this way or that way,
liking or not liking. Then actions or intentions push or pull,
trying to get more, get less, ignore it, or get away from it.
Avoidance, denial, greed, demandingness, attachment, and so on,
equals dissatisfaction and misery.
And fifth is consciousness, or as Buddhism says, consciousnesses:
States of mind.
Yet - are the 5 Skhandas - Self? Or are they in fact, Empty?
