fk> nama rupa (as appears in dependent arising formula)
fk> same as khandhas?
fk> I asked a monk this question, he says yes they are the
fk> same. Is that the common understanding? Or are there
fk> some subtle differences?

There are some tangible differences - for example, nama-rupa does not
include vi~n~naa.na-khandha.

Dimitry