A Brief Analysis of the Universal and Object-Specific Mental Factors of the Sixth and Seventh Consciousnesses

The five universal mental factors initially operate in a definite sequence, but once their operation reaches a certain stage, the order of their operation changes. However the change occurs, it must always conclude with the volition mental factor (cetanā). Then the five universal mental factors operate again upon other dharmas.

As for the five particular mental factors, they have no fixed order of operation, and the five mental factors do not necessarily all appear simultaneously or in sequence—perhaps one appears, perhaps two; this is not certain. The higher a person's wisdom, the more frequently and extensively the five particular mental factors manifest. For bodhisattvas who have transformed consciousness into wisdom, the five particular mental factors manifest constantly, with a very high frequency of activity.

The more ignorant sentient beings are, the less easily the five particular mental factors appear and operate. For bodhisattvas on the bhūmis who have subdued their afflictions and transformed consciousness into wisdom, the five particular mental factors of the manas are very active and appear constantly; the manas's wisdom and power of determination (adhimokṣa) are quite strong. Therefore, when bodhisattvas observe, judge, and make decisions, they often rely not only on the mind consciousness but also on the manas; quite often they do not use the mind consciousness's surface-level thinking and analysis, and there are many occasions when they employ the manas's function of deliberation (manana).