The Mental Factor of Volition in the Six Consciousnesses

The "volition" (cetanā) in the volition mental factor (cetanā-caitta) encompasses the meanings of deliberation, formation, and determination. These mental activities belong to the category of operations, which is called "saṃskāra" (formations). Saṃskāra can be referred to as the aggregate of formations (saṃskāra-skandha) or the obscuration of formations (saṃskārāvaraṇa). Why is it called the obscuration of formations? Because if we regard these mental activities and functional operations as real, as belonging to "self" or "mine," they obscure the essential nature of the true Dharma and veil the wondrous, luminous true mind. Consequently, only the operation of these dharmas is perceived, while the fundamental functional nature of the eighth consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna) remains unseen. Therefore, "saṃskāra" is also called the obscuration of formations. Why is it called the aggregate of formations? The operation of consciousness is a functional activity assembled and aggregated by various conditions; hence, it is also called the aggregate of formations. In essence, these are all mental factors (caitta), functions of the six consciousnesses.

Volition is an act of formation. Anything involving action, formation, change, or operation is called "saṃskāra." The scope of the obscuration of formations is broader than that of the volition mental factor. The obscuration of formations also includes the operational functions of the physical body. The operations of both body and mind constitute the complete scope of the obscuration of formations. The operation of the volition mental factor is also complex. Its functions include deliberation, weighing, decision-making, and formation, with the final stage being the determination to act. The volition mental factor involves three processes: contemplation, reflection, analysis, judgment, decision-making, and finally, taking concrete action. The volition associated with the first five consciousnesses is relatively simple, deciding only whether to approach or withdraw from an object. The volition of the sixth consciousness is the most complex, involving repeated deliberation and reflection, possessing relatively stronger wisdom. The volition of the first five consciousnesses relies on the perception (saṃjñā) and volition (cetanā) of the sixth consciousness to operate. Therefore, volition itself is mental action (manaskāra). Once mental action is formed, bodily action (kāyena karma) and verbal action (vācā karma) arise, involving the participation of the five consciousnesses as well.