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“The five aggregates,” according to Buddhism

What are “the five aggregates,” according to Buddhism, and how do they fit into the Buddhist teaching on “the self”??

How does the Swami define Nirvana?

How does the Swami describe Moksha?

In the simplest way you can, how would you summarize the difference between Nirvana and Moksha?

Part B:
After watching the in this section, about the Buddhist approach to Non-Duality, answer the following questions:

What are your thoughts about the concept of ownership, as proposed in the video?

What would looking at human skin, under a microscope, suggest to us, from the Buddhist perspective?

What is the key to happiness?

Sample Answer

Part A: Buddhism and the Self

1. The Five Aggregates and the Self:

In Buddhism, the five aggregates (skandha) are the fundamental building blocks of experience. They are not a permanent self, but rather impermanent mental and physical processes that create the illusion of a self. These aggregates are:

Form (Rupa): The physical body and senses.
Sensation (Vedana): Feelings, both pleasant and unpleasant.
Perception (Sañña): Recognizing and interpreting sensations.
Mental Formations (Samkhara): Mental activities, thoughts, and volitions.
Consciousness (Viññana): Awareness of sensations and mental objects.

Full Answer Section

The Buddhist teaching on the “self” is one of anatman (not-self). We cling to these aggregates as constituting a permanent self, which leads to suffering. By understanding the impermanent nature of the aggregates, we can detach from this clinging and achieve liberation.

2. Nirvana (Swami Vivekananda)

Swami Vivekananda described Nirvana as a state of perfect peace and liberation from suffering. It is achieved by extinguishing craving and clinging to impermanent things. In this state, the mind is free from illusion and duality.

3. Moksha (Swami Vivekananda)

Moksha, in Hinduism, refers to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). It is similar to Nirvana in Buddhism, but with an emphasis on the soul’s (Atman) eternal nature achieving its true potential. Moksha can be achieved through various paths, including karma yoga (action), bhakti yoga (devotion), jnana yoga (knowledge), and raja yoga (meditation).

4. Nirvana vs. Moksha (Simplified):

Both Nirvana and Moksha represent states of liberation from suffering. The key difference lies in the concept of the self:

Nirvana: No permanent self, liberation from clinging to impermanent aggregates.
Moksha: Liberation of the eternal soul from the cycle of rebirth.

Part B: Buddhist Non-Duality

1. Thoughts on Ownership:

The concept of ownership, from a Buddhist perspective, creates a sense of separation and clinging. We believe we “own” things, which leads to suffering when we lose them. The video suggests letting go of attachment to possessions and recognizing the impermanent nature of all things.

2. Human Skin under a Microscope:

From a Buddhist viewpoint, looking at human skin under a microscope would reveal a constantly changing process of cells dividing and dying. This impermanence applies to all aspects of our experience, including our bodies. There’s no fixed, unchanging “self” to own.

3. The Key to Happiness:

Letting go of attachment and clinging is the key to happiness in Buddhism. When we accept the impermanent nature of all things, including ourselves, we can achieve true peace and liberation from suffering.

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