The Buddha taught that we are made up of five basic categories of factors, known as aggregates or skandhas: form (which includes earth, water, fire, and air), feeling or sensation (which can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral), perception (through the six senses), mental formation, and consciousness. These five elements work together to create a sense of self; however, they are constantly changing, disintegrating, and being re-created by the effects of our actions, resulting in an illusory self.

This self appears and functions, but ultimately has no truly existing essence, which is the teaching of anatta or selflessness, one of the three marks of existence. Although always changing, it happens so unconsciously that we take this self to be solid, lasting, and real, which creates dukkha, or suffering. It is clinging to the aggregates and identifying with them that creates attachment and suffering.

Incorporating this understanding of how our identity, experiences, and personality are constantly shifting is meant to provide a healthy sense of identity—one that is flexible and less rigid.

Recognizing that all things and people are composed of temporary collections of the five aggregates is a practice that liberates us from attachment and suffering.

Reflect on what factors comprise their sense of self. Explore how all things are composed of parts, such as atoms, and apply that understanding to the self.

• What aspects of you are the same or different than yesterday?
• Can you find anything that doesn't change?

Analyze the five aggregates (skandhas) as the components that create the illusion of a permanent self; evaluate how understanding the constantly changing nature of form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness supports the teaching of anatta (no-self); and synthesize this understanding by implementing daily practices that demonstrate selfless action based on logical analysis of the impermanent nature of identity.