The Book of Phenomenological Analysis

1At that time, the wholesome consciousness that has arisen is the aggregate of consciousness. The contact that has arisen at that time is the aggregate of mental formations.

2What is the aggregate of form? Whatever form there is, whether past, future, or present, internal or external, gross or subtle, inferior or superior, far or near — this is called the aggregate of form.

3What is the aggregate of feeling? Whatever feeling there is, whether past, future, or present — this is called the aggregate of feeling. It is of three kinds: pleasant feeling, painful feeling, and neither-pleasant-nor-painful feeling.

4What is the aggregate of perception? Whatever perception there is, whether past, future, or present — this is called the aggregate of perception.

5What is the aggregate of mental formations? Whatever mental formations there are, whether past, future, or present — these are called the aggregate of mental formations.

6What is the aggregate of consciousness? Whatever consciousness there is, whether past, future, or present — this is called the aggregate of consciousness.

7These five aggregates are called the five aggregates of clinging. They are the basis of personality view and the root of all suffering in the cycle of existence.