The Five Aggregates (Skandhas) Visualization

This visualization illustrates the Buddhist concept of the Five Aggregates (Pañcakkhandha), which describe what constitutes a living being according to Buddhist philosophy.

The Five Aggregates:

1. Form (Rūpa): The physical body and material world
2. Feeling (Vedanā): Sensations from contact between senses and world
3. Perception (Saṃjñā): Recognition and labeling of experiences
4. Mental Formations (Saṅkhāra): Thoughts, emotions, desires, and habits
5. Consciousness (Vijñāna): Basic awareness of experiences

Interaction:

• Hover over each segment to see detailed descriptions and examples
• The visualization illustrates how these five aspects together constitute what we perceive as "self"
• The center "Not Self" (Anatta) represents the core Buddhist teaching that there is no permanent self or soul

Buddhist Context:

In Buddhism, understanding these aggregates helps one recognize that what we consider "self" is actually a collection of impermanent, constantly changing processes. This insight is crucial for the path to enlightenment.