The Meaning of Nāma-Rūpa

Form refers to the material phenomena composed of the four great elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—which are visible to the naked eye, such as the aggregate of form. Name refers to phenomena designated by names, which are not visible to the naked eye but possess functions; they can exert influence upon the aggregate of form and can be perceived and observed, such as the aggregate of feeling, the aggregate of perception, the aggregate of mental formations, and the aggregate of consciousness. Name and form together constitute the five aggregates of sentient beings, forming the unreal self that transmigrates through birth after birth. This self is not solid; it can be destroyed and perish, being subject to the law of arising, abiding, changing, and ceasing. Therefore, it is not the true self but is provisionally designated as the self. Name includes the mental faculty and its functions, encompassing the six consciousnesses and their functions.