The Self-Nature and Non-Self Nature of Vijñāna

The eight consciousnesses of the Buddha stage all possess twenty-one mental factors, including the five universal mental factors, and all are of a selfless nature.

The mental factor of desire (chanda) refers to having a goal to accomplish. This goal is not necessarily self-centered; it can also be selfless and altruistic, aimed at achieving an objective.

The mental factor of conviction (adhimokṣa) means having a certain understanding, comprehension, and clarity regarding the corresponding dharmas. Only after achieving clarity can one make choices and decisions, and engage in volitional actions.

The mental factor of mindfulness (smṛti) means having thoughts and intentions in the mind, which are then realized.

The mental factor of concentration (samādhi) has two meanings: one is having a resolute mind towards a dharma, being unwavering in that dharma; the other is abiding fixedly on a certain dharma without distraction, focusing single-mindedly to discern and engage in volitional actions.

The mental factor of wisdom (prajñā) refers to wisdom-based volitional actions, wisdom-based discernment, wisdom-based choices, wisdom-based concentration, and so forth.

Self-nature manifests in view delusions (dṛṣṭi-kleśa) and thought delusions (cintā-kleśa), manifesting in ignorance (avidyā). When ignorance is completely eradicated, the seventh consciousness becomes utterly selfless.