Skandhas - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

In GCSE Religious Studies, particularly when exploring Buddhism, 'Skandhas' refers to the five aggregates or components that make up a person's existence. According to Buddhist teachings, these are form (the physical body), sensation (feelings or experiences), perception (awareness and recognition of objects), mental formations (thoughts, intentions, and emotions), and consciousness (awareness of being and mental states). The concept of Skandhas is essential in understanding the Buddhist view of the self as a non-permanent, ever-changing collection of processes rather than a fixed or unchanging entity. This understanding helps Buddhists cultivate detachment from the notion of a singular 'self', thus contributing to the path of enlightenment by reducing attachment and desire, which are seen as sources of suffering.