Contemplation of the Illusory Self

I created the below pictogram showing how the illusory self is actually consists of a construct of the 5 aggregates (skandas) and the 4 elements (earth, water, fire and air/wind). The 5 aggregates are form (rupa), feelings (vedana), perception (sanna), mental formations (sankhara) and consciousness (vinnana). In turn, the form is made up of 4 inter-acting elements, namely earth, water, fire and wind). In the Buddhist texts, it is mentioned the body (rupa) is made up of 32 parts (Satipatthana Sutta) while in others it is mentioned 40. Due to the cleverly well-coordinated interaction amongst these elements with the 5 aggregates, there arises an illusory self. The illusory self start thinking that it is self-running and able to control itself. Like, it is the master of itself, when in actual fact, its very existence depends on so many separate elements and aggregates. Contemplating this on daily basis will help us dissolve some of our hard clinging to our long standing concept of "self". Indeed, this "self" is what is referred to in other religions as "soul".  

In a recent meditation retreat, the teacher provided us with some guidance on how to go about contemplating the above. I find it very useful and therefore, I came up with this chart/pictogram. It is meant as a supplement to our main vipassana meditation method. 

Try other blogpost if you like this one - https://buddha-and-me.blogspot.com/2022/08/meditation-practice-must-result-in.html

#5aggregates #4elements #illusoryself