How Do the Five Aggregates Operate?

Taking the act of drinking tea as an example. Drinking tea is a process involving the combined operation of the Five Aggregates as a whole, with all five aggregates—form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness—as well as the eighteen elements comprising the six sense bases, six sense objects, and six sense consciousnesses participating in it. The sense bases, sense objects, and sense consciousnesses interact and function together in combination. The dominant factor in this process is manas (the mind base), which is responsible for coordinating and regulating the activities of contact, sensation, perception, and thought involving the six consciousnesses and the five sense bases and six sense objects. Manas is the most agile and swift; often, consciousness is unaware of what has transpired before the action is completed. The five sense consciousnesses cooperate as if devoid of independent thought, remaining entirely faithful to the intentions of manas, while consciousness sometimes remains perplexed.

The entire process of drinking tea operates similarly. If the tea is too hot and spills onto the hand, one will instinctively fling it away reflexively, without time for consciousness to discern or analyze through thought. When manas intends to lift the teacup or drink the tea, the sense bases and sense objects will come into contact, giving rise to the six consciousnesses to cooperate in the operation, thereby fulfilling the instructions of manas, and only then can the tea enter the mouth. Regarding the specific functioning of the six sense bases and the operation of the six consciousnesses, one must personally observe and find out for oneself, especially paying close attention to the details through calm and focused observation. It is necessary to clearly understand the concept of the Five Aggregates and to comprehend the functions and roles of the eighteen elements.