Sankhata is an adjective or noun for any phenomena conditioned by other phenomena, as in produced by a cause, for it does not arise on its own. It also denotes mental creations in the Pali language. As explained by the dependent origination concept (see:Twelve Nidanas), sankhatas condition the consciousness (vijnana) and are conditioned by ignorance (avidyā). Sankhatas are part of the name and form (see:Namarupa) and so are one of the five aggregates (see:skandhas).