The History of Buddhist Thought c20.41

c20.41

4. The *saṃskāras*. This important group has a name which, whether translated aggregates, syntheses, or compounds, gives no idea of the meaning. The list itself makes it clear. The *saṃskāras* are chiefly conscious and unconscious manifestations of will. They were probably intended to include all the states of mind distinct from the other *khandhas* as well as forces or traits of the individual outside consciousness. They are consequently divided into (1) *saṃskāras* associated with consciousness, (2) those not associated with consciousness. Vasubandhu classifies them as follows ²:—