We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Basic Dharma 02 - Five Minds, Six Practices - Five Minds, Six Objects of Cognition
Saṃskāra, or formations, appears in the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (delusion → formations → consciousness) and the Five Aggregates (form, feeling, perception, formations, consciousness). The meaning of “formations” (formed) refers to all conditioned phenomena that have been established by causes and conditions; the meaning of “forming” refers to the forces and energies that are bringing about that establishment. All physical, physiological, or psychological phenomena are formations.
In the Five Aggregates, formations refer specifically to mental formations (citta-saṃskāra), which include 52 kinds:
- The five universal mental formations: contact, attention, feeling, perception, volition
- The five particular mental formations: desire, determination, mindfulness, concentration, insight
- The eleven wholesome mental formations (faith, sense of shame, sense of decorum… equanimity, non-harming)
- The thirteen unwholesome mental formations (greed, anger, delusion, arrogance… harming, pride)
- The four indeterminate mental formations (regret, sleepiness, initial application, sustained application)
In the stream of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, formations are the underlying currents, the force of karma (kamma-formation), the energies of delusion stirring in the consciousness, propelling body, speech, and mind into action. The talk combines the practice of mindful eating with the five universal mental formations (contact, attention, feeling, perception, volition) to recognize and nourish mindfulness in each moment.