  As we saw above   (§2.2)  in the dynamic process of dependently arising phenomena that  encompass the five aggregates, cognitive awareness  (vijñāna) plays a double role: it is both the  stream of conscious episodes that characterize the life of the mind  and, at the same time, the principle of continuity of awareness, by  virtue of which some sense of identity is maintained over time (cf.  Johansson 1979, 63f; Krizer 1999, 195f). Thus cognitive awareness  provides the basis for further cognitive activity, while also  supporting the formative karmic activities  (saṃskāra) of sensation, perception, volition,  etc. that perpetuate the life cycle.