The Relationship Between Saṅkhāra in the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa) and Saṅkhāra in the Five Aggregates (Pañcakkhandha): A Practical Application in Daily Life

Abstract

This article aims to analyze and clarify the relationship between saṅkhāra in the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa) and saṅkhāra in the Five Aggregates (Khandhas), in order to deepen the understanding of Dhamma and its practical application. The study reveals that saṅkhāra in the context of the Three Characteristics refers to all conditioned phenomena, both physical and mental. Meanwhile, saṅkhāra in the Five Aggregates pertains to mental formations that shape the mind toward wholesome, unwholesome, or neutral tendencies, with volition (cetanā) playing a central role. Saṅkhāra, as a conditioned phenomenon, is subject to impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā), characterized by arising and cessation, lacking any essence of a true self and beyond personal control. The relationship between the two forms of saṅkhāra can be understood as follows: Saṅkhāra in the Three Characteristics represents a cyclical process of arising, persisting, and ceasing inherent in all phenomena. In the Five Aggregates, the physical aspect of saṅkhāra manifests impermanence and suffering from the moment of bodily existence, while its mental aspect is observable through physical and verbal behaviors. The shared nature between these two aspects lies in their being saṅkhatadhamma (conditioned phenomena). Their distinction lies in their scope: saṅkhāra in the Three Characteristics reflects the universal nature of all phenomena, whereas saṅkhāra in the Five Aggregates emphasizes the structural composition of an individual being. Recognizing this relationship fosters insight into the true nature of reality, enabling detachment and the cultivation of wisdom. In practice, this understanding supports meditative development through insight (vipassanā), beginning from nāma-rūpa-pariccheda-ñāṇa (knowledge of the distinction between mind and matter) to paṭisaṅkhā-anupassanā-ñāṇa (knowledge of contemplation through wise reflection), applying the Three Characteristics to all saṅkhāra. The Five Aggregates are supported by spiritual faculties—faith (saddhā), energy (viriya), mindfulness (sati), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā)—which culminate in the arising of magga-ñāṇa (path knowledge), thereby eliminating defilements (kilesa).