The five aggregates (khandas) are empty, and so is a self or being. There is no self, nothing to cling to, and there is freedom is knowing this. Impermanence, emptiness, is the basis for Buddhist understanding. Perception is the process of organizing and understanding experiences. It’s based on past experience, and it’s constantly changing. Our perceptions are arbitrary and can change based on what we experience. However, our goals, aspirations, and views can also be based on our perceptions. When we understand consciousness to mean that the mind is active, everything in the world has to have the five characteristics of change. 

This dhamma talk was originally recorded on cassette tape on 28th January 1994. It has now been remastered but the quality is still a bit scratchy. But the content is classic Ajahn Brahm and will be of interest to his many fans.

These talks by Ajahn Brahm have been recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Patreon page.