Difference between revisions of "Saṅkhāra"
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| − | Saṅkhāra (Pali; Devanagari: सङ्खार) or | + | [[File:Nner solitude.JPG|thumb|250px|]] |
| + | '''[[Saṅkhāra]]''' ([[Pali]]; {{Wiki|Devanagari}}: {{SanskritBig|[[सङ्खार]]}}) or [[Saṃskāra]] ([[Sanskrit]]; {{Wiki|Devanagari}}: {{SanskritBig|[[संस्कार]]}}) is a term figuring prominently in the [[teaching]] of The [[Buddha]]. The [[word]] means 'that which has been [[put together]]' and 'that which puts together'. In the first (passive) [[sense]], [[saṅkhāra]] refers to [[conditioned]] [[phenomena]] generally but specifically to all [[mental]] "dispositions". These are called '[[volitional]] [[formations]]' both because they are formed as a result of [[volition]] and because they are [[causes]] for the [[arising]] of {{Wiki|future}} [[volitional]] [[actions]]. In the second (active) [[sense]] of the [[word]], [[saṅkhāra]] refers to that {{Wiki|faculty}} of the [[mind]]/{{Wiki|brain}} apparatus ([[Sankhara-khandha]]) that puts together those [[formations]]. English translations for [[saṅkhāra]] in the first [[sense]] of the [[word]] include '[[conditioned things]],' '[[determinations]],' '[[fabrications]]' and '[[formations]]' (or, particularly when referring to [[mental]] {{Wiki|processes}}, '[[volitional]] [[formations]]'). | ||
| − | == Conditioned things == | + | == [[Conditioned things]] == |
| − | In the first (passive) sense saṅkhāra can refer to any compound form in the universe whether a tree, a cloud, a human being, a thought or a molecule. All these are | + | In the first (passive) [[sense]] [[saṅkhāra]] can refer to any [[compound]] [[form]] in the {{Wiki|universe}} whether a [[tree]], a cloud, a [[human being]], a [[thought]] or a molecule. All these are [[saṅkhāra]]s. The [[Buddha]] [[taught]] that all such things are [[impermanent]], [[arising]] and passing away, [[subject]] to change, and that [[understanding]] the significance of this {{Wiki|reality}} is [[Wisdom]]. [[Saṅkhāra]] is often used in this first [[sense]] to describe the [[psychological]] {{Wiki|conditioning}} (particularly the [[habit]] patterns of the {{Wiki|unconscious}} [[mind]]) that gives any {{Wiki|individual}} [[human]] [[being]] his or her unique [[character]] and make-up at any given [[time]]. |
| − | The last words of | + | The last words of The [[Buddha]], according to the [[Mahāparinibbāna Sutta]] (in English and [[Pali]]), were "[[Disciples]], this I declare to you: All [[conditioned things]] are [[subject]] to {{Wiki|disintegration}} – strive on untiringly for your [[liberation]]." ([[Pali]]: "handa'dāni [[bhikkhave]] āmantayāmi vo, vayadhammā [[saṅkhārā]] appamādena sampādethā ti.") |
| − | == Sankhara-khandha:The builder of lives == | + | == [[Sankhara]]-khandha:The builder of [[lives]] == |
[[File:PancaKhandha.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:PancaKhandha.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | In the second (active) sense, saṅkhāra (or saṅkhāra-khandha) refers to the form-creating faculty of mind, often described as "volitional" or "intentional." States | + | In the second (active) [[sense]], [[saṅkhāra]] (or [[saṅkhāra-khandha]]) refers to the form-creating {{Wiki|faculty}} of [[mind]], often described as "[[volitional]]" or "intentional." States The [[Buddha]]: |
| − | :'And why do you call them 'fabrications'? Because they fabricate fabricated things, thus they are called 'fabrications.' What do they fabricate as a fabricated thing? For the sake of form-ness, they fabricate form as a fabricated thing. For the sake of feeling-ness, they fabricate feeling as a fabricated thing. For the sake of perception-hood... For the sake of fabrication-hood... For the sake of consciousness-hood, they fabricate consciousness as a fabricated thing. Because they fabricate fabricated things, they are called fabrications.' | + | :'And why do you call them '[[fabrications]]'? Because they fabricate [[fabricated]] things, thus they are called '[[fabrications]].' What do they fabricate as a [[fabricated]] thing? For the sake of form-ness, they fabricate [[form]] as a [[fabricated]] thing. For the sake of [[feeling]]-ness, they fabricate [[feeling]] as a [[fabricated]] thing. For the sake of [[perception]]-hood... For the sake of fabrication-hood... For the sake of [[consciousness]]-hood, they fabricate [[consciousness]] as a [[fabricated]] thing. Because they fabricate [[fabricated]] things, they are called [[fabrications]].' |
| − | In the doctrine of conditioned arising or | + | In the [[doctrine]] of [[conditioned arising]] or [[Dependent origination]] ([[paṭiccasamuppāda]]), [[saṅkhāra-khandha]] is understood to be that which propels [[human]] (and other [[sentient]]) [[beings]] along the process of becoming ([[Bhava]]) by means of [[actions]] of {{Wiki|body}} and {{Wiki|speech}} ([[Kamma]]). The [[Buddha]] stated that all [[volitional]] constructs are [[conditioned]] by [[ignorance]] ([[Avijja]]) of the [[reality]] ([[Sacca]]) behind [[appearance]]. It is this [[ignorance]] that ultimately [[causes]] [[human]] [[Suffering]] ([[Dukkha]]). The [[calming]] of all such [[fabrications]] ([[sabba-saṅkhāra-Nirodha]]) is {{Wiki|synonymous}} with [[Enlightenment]] ([[Bodhi]]), the achieving of [[arahantship]]. |
| + | [[File:Buddha1.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | As [[ignorance]] [[conditions]] [[volitional]] [[formations]], these [[formations]] in turn [[condition]] [[consciousness]] ([[Viññāna]]). The [[Buddha]] elaborated: | ||
| − | + | :'What one intends, what one arranges, and what one obsesses about: This is a support for the stationing of [[consciousness]]. There [[being]] a support, there is a landing [or: an establishing] of [[consciousness]]. When that [[consciousness]] lands and grows, there is the production of renewed becoming in the {{Wiki|future}}. When there is the production of renewed becoming in the {{Wiki|future}}, there is {{Wiki|future}} [[birth]], [[aging]] & [[death]], [[sorrow]], [[lamentation]], [[pain]], {{Wiki|distress}}, & {{Wiki|despair}}. Such is the origination of this entire {{Wiki|mass}} of [[Suffering]] & [[stress]].' | |
| − | + | [[Tradition]] relates that after The [[Buddha]]'s complete [[Enlightenment]] he uttered the following words (English and [[Pali]]): | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
<table cellspacing=10 style="text-align:left"><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td> | <table cellspacing=10 style="text-align:left"><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td> | ||
| − | 'Seeking but not finding the housebuilder, <br>I have traveled through the round of countless births.<br>How painful is birth over and over again.<br>Oh housebuilder! You have now been caught!<br>You shall not build a house again.<br>Your rafters have been broken. Your ridgepole demolished.<br>The [[nirvana|unconditioned consciousness]] has been attained.<br>And every kind of craving has been destroyed.'<br>(''[[Dhammapada|Dhammapāda]]'', verses 153,154) | + | 'Seeking but not finding the housebuilder, <br>I have traveled through the round of countless [[births]].<br>How [[painful]] is [[birth]] over and over again.<br>Oh housebuilder! You have now been caught!<br>You shall not build a house again.<br>Your rafters have been broken. Your ridgepole demolished.<br>The [[nirvana|unconditioned consciousness]] has been [[attained]].<br>And every kind of {{Wiki|craving}} has been destroyed.'<br>(''[[Dhammapada|Dhammapāda]]'', verses 153,154) |
<td> | <td> | ||
| − | ''Aneka | + | ''Aneka [[Jāti]] samsāraṃ sandha vissam anibhissam''<br> |
''Gahakaraka gavesanto dukkhajāti punappunam''<br> | ''Gahakaraka gavesanto dukkhajāti punappunam''<br> | ||
''Gahakaraka ditthosi puna geham nakahasi''<br> | ''Gahakaraka ditthosi puna geham nakahasi''<br> | ||
| − | ''Sabba te phasuka bagga gahakutam visamkhatam''<br> | + | ''[[Sabba]] te phasuka bagga gahakutam visamkhatam''<br> |
| − | ''Visamkhāragatam cittam tanhanam khayamajjhaga.'' | + | ''Visamkhāragatam [[cittam]] tanhanam khayamajjhaga.'' |
</table> | </table> | ||
| − | The 'housebuilder' to which | + | The 'housebuilder' to which The [[Buddha]] refers is just this [[mental]] {{Wiki|faculty}} of [[Sankhāra-khandha]] whose products, the [[volitional]] [[formations]], are [[conditioned]] by [[ignorance]]. |
| − | == Mental factors == | + | == [[Mental factors]] == |
{{see}}[[Mental factors]] | {{see}}[[Mental factors]] | ||
| + | [[File:Budha-300.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | [[Mental factors]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Caitasika]]; [[Pali]]: [[Cetasika]]; [[Tibetan]] [[Wylie]]: [[sems byung]]) are [[formations]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[saṅkhāra]]) concurrent with [[mind]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Citta]]). They can be described as aspects of the [[mind]] that apprehend the [[quality]] of an [[object]], and that have the ability to {{Wiki|color}} the [[mind]]. | ||
| − | + | [[Nibbana]] | |
| − | Nibbana | ||
| − | The Buddha emphasized the need to pacify or appease dispositions rather than eliminate them completely. | + | The [[Buddha]] emphasized the need to pacify or appease dispositions rather than eliminate them completely. |
| − | Kalupahana states that "the elimination of dispositions is epistemological suicide," as dispositions determine our perspectives. The development of one's personality in the direction of perfection or imperfection rests with one's dispositions. | + | [[Kalupahana]] states that "the elimination of dispositions is {{Wiki|epistemological}} {{Wiki|suicide}}," as dispositions determine our perspectives. The [[development]] of one's [[personality]] in the [[direction]] of [[perfection]] or imperfection rests with one's dispositions. |
| − | When preliminary | + | When preliminary [[Nibbana]] with substrate occurs (that is, [[Nibbana]] of a [[living being]]), constructive [[consciousness]], that is, the house-builder, is completely destroyed and no new [[formations]] will be [[constructed]]. However, [[sankharas]] in the [[sense]] of [[constructed]] [[consciousness]], which [[exists]] as a '[[karmically-resultant-consciousness]]' ([[Vipāka Viññāna]]), continue to [[exist]]. Each {{Wiki|liberated}} {{Wiki|individual}} produces no new [[Karma]], but preserves a particular {{Wiki|individual}} [[personality]] which is the result of the traces of his or her [[karmic]] heritage. The very fact that there is a [[psycho-physical]] substrate during the remainder of an [[Arahant]]'s [[lifetime]] shows the continuing effect of [[Karma]]. |
| − | |||
| − | + | See also: [[Nibbana#Transcendent knowing]] | |
| − | * Activities (Ajahn Sucitto) | + | == English translations for the term [[Sankhara]] == |
| − | * Conditions | + | |
| − | * Conditioned things | + | * [[Activities]] ({{Wiki|Ajahn Sucitto}}) |
| − | * Determinations | + | * [[Conditions]] |
| − | * Fabrications | + | * [[Conditioned things]] |
| − | * Formations (Bhikkhu Bodhi) | + | * [[Determinations]] |
| − | * Karmic formations | + | * [[Fabrications]] |
| − | * Volitional activities (Gethin, p. 136) | + | * [[Formations]] ({{Wiki|Bhikkhu Bodhi}}) |
| − | * Volitional formations (Bhikkhu Bodhi) | + | * [[Karmic]] [[formations]] |
| + | * [[Volitional]] [[activities]] ([[Gethin]], p. 136) | ||
| + | * [[Volitional]] [[formations]] ({{Wiki|Bhikkhu Bodhi}}) | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
| − | + | [[Category:Buddhist psychology]] | |
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Sankhara]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Buddhist Philosophy]] | ||
| + | {{PaliTerminology}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:50, 6 April 2015
Saṅkhāra (Pali; Devanagari: सङ्खार) or Saṃskāra (Sanskrit; Devanagari: संस्कार) is a term figuring prominently in the teaching of The Buddha. The word means 'that which has been put together' and 'that which puts together'. In the first (passive) sense, saṅkhāra refers to conditioned phenomena generally but specifically to all mental "dispositions". These are called 'volitional formations' both because they are formed as a result of volition and because they are causes for the arising of future volitional actions. In the second (active) sense of the word, saṅkhāra refers to that faculty of the mind/brain apparatus (Sankhara-khandha) that puts together those formations. English translations for saṅkhāra in the first sense of the word include 'conditioned things,' 'determinations,' 'fabrications' and 'formations' (or, particularly when referring to mental processes, 'volitional formations').
Conditioned things
In the first (passive) sense saṅkhāra can refer to any compound form in the universe whether a tree, a cloud, a human being, a thought or a molecule. All these are saṅkhāras. The Buddha taught that all such things are impermanent, arising and passing away, subject to change, and that understanding the significance of this reality is Wisdom. Saṅkhāra is often used in this first sense to describe the psychological conditioning (particularly the habit patterns of the unconscious mind) that gives any individual human being his or her unique character and make-up at any given time.
The last words of The Buddha, according to the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (in English and Pali), were "Disciples, this I declare to you: All conditioned things are subject to disintegration – strive on untiringly for your liberation." (Pali: "handa'dāni bhikkhave āmantayāmi vo, vayadhammā saṅkhārā appamādena sampādethā ti.")
Sankhara-khandha:The builder of lives
In the second (active) sense, saṅkhāra (or saṅkhāra-khandha) refers to the form-creating faculty of mind, often described as "volitional" or "intentional." States The Buddha:
- 'And why do you call them 'fabrications'? Because they fabricate fabricated things, thus they are called 'fabrications.' What do they fabricate as a fabricated thing? For the sake of form-ness, they fabricate form as a fabricated thing. For the sake of feeling-ness, they fabricate feeling as a fabricated thing. For the sake of perception-hood... For the sake of fabrication-hood... For the sake of consciousness-hood, they fabricate consciousness as a fabricated thing. Because they fabricate fabricated things, they are called fabrications.'
In the doctrine of conditioned arising or Dependent origination (paṭiccasamuppāda), saṅkhāra-khandha is understood to be that which propels human (and other sentient) beings along the process of becoming (Bhava) by means of actions of body and speech (Kamma). The Buddha stated that all volitional constructs are conditioned by ignorance (Avijja) of the reality (Sacca) behind appearance. It is this ignorance that ultimately causes human Suffering (Dukkha). The calming of all such fabrications (sabba-saṅkhāra-Nirodha) is synonymous with Enlightenment (Bodhi), the achieving of arahantship.
As ignorance conditions volitional formations, these formations in turn condition consciousness (Viññāna). The Buddha elaborated:
- 'What one intends, what one arranges, and what one obsesses about: This is a support for the stationing of consciousness. There being a support, there is a landing [or: an establishing] of consciousness. When that consciousness lands and grows, there is the production of renewed becoming in the future. When there is the production of renewed becoming in the future, there is future birth, aging & death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair. Such is the origination of this entire mass of Suffering & stress.'
Tradition relates that after The Buddha's complete Enlightenment he uttered the following words (English and Pali):
|
'Seeking but not finding the housebuilder, |
Aneka Jāti samsāraṃ sandha vissam anibhissam |
The 'housebuilder' to which The Buddha refers is just this mental faculty of Sankhāra-khandha whose products, the volitional formations, are conditioned by ignorance.
Mental factors
- See also:Mental factors
Mental factors (Sanskrit: Caitasika; Pali: Cetasika; Tibetan Wylie: sems byung) are formations (Sanskrit: saṅkhāra) concurrent with mind (Sanskrit: Citta). They can be described as aspects of the mind that apprehend the quality of an object, and that have the ability to color the mind.
The Buddha emphasized the need to pacify or appease dispositions rather than eliminate them completely.
Kalupahana states that "the elimination of dispositions is epistemological suicide," as dispositions determine our perspectives. The development of one's personality in the direction of perfection or imperfection rests with one's dispositions.
When preliminary Nibbana with substrate occurs (that is, Nibbana of a living being), constructive consciousness, that is, the house-builder, is completely destroyed and no new formations will be constructed. However, sankharas in the sense of constructed consciousness, which exists as a 'karmically-resultant-consciousness' (Vipāka Viññāna), continue to exist. Each liberated individual produces no new Karma, but preserves a particular individual personality which is the result of the traces of his or her karmic heritage. The very fact that there is a psycho-physical substrate during the remainder of an Arahant's lifetime shows the continuing effect of Karma.
See also: Nibbana#Transcendent knowing
English translations for the term Sankhara
- Activities (Ajahn Sucitto)
- Conditions
- Conditioned things
- Determinations
- Fabrications
- Formations (Bhikkhu Bodhi)
- Karmic formations
- Volitional activities (Gethin, p. 136)
- Volitional formations (Bhikkhu Bodhi)
