An Analytical Study of the Five Aggregates as a Burden in the Bhāra Sutta

Abstract

This article aims to study and analyze the concept of the “Five Aggregates as a Burden” as presented in the Bhāra Sutta of the Pāli Canon. The sutta states that the five aggregates form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, and consciousness when grasped through attachment (upādāna), become a heavy burden borne by the individual. The act of carrying this burden is driven by the three forms of craving: kāma-taṇhā (craving for sensual pleasures), bhava-taṇhā (craving for existence), and vibhava-taṇhā (craving for non-existence). Conversely, the relinquishment of this burden is achieved through the cessation of craving, resulting in the extinction of desire. The concept of burden and its release aligns with the Four Noble Truths, wherein the act of carrying the burden reflects dukkha (suffering), craving as the cause of that burden corresponds to samudaya (the origin of suffering), the laying down of the burden signifies nirodha (the cessation of suffering), and the path leading to the relinquishment of the burden corresponds to magga (the Noble Eightfold Path). Furthermore, the liberation from this burden of suffering can be cultivated through essential doctrinal principles, including understanding the arising and cessation of attachment to the five aggregates in accordance with dependent origination (paṭiccasamuppāda); perceiving the aggregates with insight into the three characteristics of existence impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self; realizing suffering and its cessation according to the Four Noble Truths; and practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna) by maintaining awareness of the body, feeling, mind, and mental objects. Such practices lead to seeing things as they truly are, gradually dissolving self-identification and attachment to the aggregates, culminating in the laying down of the burden of the five aggregates and the attainment of ultimate liberation from suffering.