The Five Aggregates is one way of categorizing phenomena in the Buddhist tradition. When we talk about anything that can exist, according to Buddhism, it must either be a material substance or a mental state. The first of the five aggregates, form, covers material substances, namely the objects of our five senses, and the following four aggregates–feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness–are all states of mind. When the Buddha taught the truth of the lack of an individual self or “I”, he taught that our sense of self is a mere idea that we have based on our way of considering these five things. Further, in his later teachings, he taught that even these five aggregates do not independently exist.
It is our fixation on a seemingly truly existing self that binds us to samsara and is the source of our suffering and fixation on the seemingly truly existing five aggregates that prevents us from attaining the all knowing state of Buddhahood.
This month’s Sangha gathering: Tuesday, June 10, 5:30-7:00 pm MDT
Location: Online only
Jetsunma will be teaching online. We will not be gathering in person at the Namchak Office this month.
About Jetsunma
Jetsunma Jamyang Yeshe Palmo spent nine years in a monastic university program studying all of the major subjects of Buddhism and then followed her studies by spending nine years in closed retreat. It was for this reason that Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche offered her the honored title of Jetsunma. She is the director of the study and practice centers of Turquoise Leaf Nunnery and Kusum Khandro Ling in Nepal. It is Rinpoche’s hope that she will prove to be uniquely qualified to be entrusted with upholding this dharma lineage in the future. Jetsunma has been living in the USA for the last few years, where she previously spent two years studying psychology and western philosophy at Harvard University, and currently divides her time between living in Montana and New York.
To learn more about Jetsunma, check out our Namchak blog: Well-Acquainted with Wisdom: Jetsünma’s Journey through Tibetan Buddhism from Doubter to Teacher
About One Community
Each month, we come together for an evening of connection and learning to deepen our understanding of the dharma and build meaningful relationships within the sangha. Led by a Namchak teacher, thought leader, or staff member, each gathering revolves around a specific topic and lasts 90 minutes.
The session begins with a dharma talk and is followed by a Q&A with the teacher.
We invite Learning Circles, meditation buddies, and individuals to join us, and encourage you to bring friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers along to share in the experience!
Zoom Link
Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Please note: Confirmation emails from Eventbrite often end up in spam/promotions tab. Please check there if you do not see the confirmation email.