The Operational Function of Paññā Cetasika

The wisdom mental factor is present in all eight consciousnesses. Wisdom is clarity, and the absence of wisdom is ignorance. The wisdom mental factor indicates the cognitive mind's clarity regarding the perceived aspect of its object. Of course, this clarity varies in degree. Only the eighth consciousness possesses complete and thorough clarity regarding the perceived aspect of its object, without any ignorance. The other seven consciousnesses exhibit varying degrees of clarity regarding the perceived aspect of their objects; it is not complete clarity, as there is still ignorance present, and ignorance predominates over clarity. The degree of clarity is reflected in the varying lucidity regarding different perceived aspects of the object, and it differs under different causal conditions regarding the perceived aspect of the object.

The wisdom mental factor operates concurrently and mixed with other mental factors, inseparable from them. If the wisdom mental factor does not function during the operation of the cognitive mind, then the cognitive mind operates chaotically, the discernment of the corresponding perceived aspect becomes unclear, making it impossible to make correct, reasoned, and true choices, nor can choices be made swiftly. The result can be imagined. The wisdom mental factor functions at every stage of the operation of the five universal mental factors, and it must also function during the operation of the other five object-specific mental factors; otherwise, the cognitive mind becomes chaotic and incapable of making true and reasoned choices.

For example, in the operation of the eye consciousness, the initial mental application (manasikāra) and contact (sparśa) by the eye consciousness itself might occur without the participation of the wisdom mental factor. As the operation proceeds further, the wisdom mental factor participates. When the eye consciousness receives the form object, the wisdom mental factor functions, knowing what the form is. Subsequently, when grasping the form object, the wisdom mental factor functions, and when discerning the form object, the wisdom mental factor functions even more. The stronger the wisdom mental factor, the wiser the discernment, and the more wholesome the result. The same applies to the other consciousnesses, especially in the operation of the sixth consciousness and the seventh consciousness, where the force of the wisdom mental factor is greater, and wisdom is stronger. However, this wisdom is also divided into worldly wisdom and Dharma wisdom. Worldly wisdom is actually ignorance, not true clarity; it cannot lead to liberation or the attainment of Buddhahood, and may even have the opposite effect, causing deep entanglement in worldly rebirth without self-awareness.

During the operation of the object-specific mental factors, the wisdom mental factor also operates simultaneously with them. The wisdom mental factor operates together with the aspiration mental factor (chanda), operates together with the conviction mental factor (adhimokṣa), operates together with the mindfulness mental factor (smṛti), and operates together with the concentration mental factor (samādhi). However, the strength of the wisdom mental factor varies; its power differs, leading to vastly different results.