Adhimokṣa Cetasika

Regarding resolute understanding of dharmas, all seven consciousnesses possess it, because each of the seven consciousnesses corresponds to specific dharmas. If any consciousness lacks resolute understanding of its corresponding dharmas, that consciousness cannot clearly perceive the dharmas it relates to, preventing subsequent functions from arising or causing all subsequent functions to become entirely disordered. Sentient beings would then be unable to live normally, work, or practice cultivation—nothing could be discussed. This applies to the six consciousnesses, and even more so to the seventh consciousness. If the ruling consciousness lacks resolute understanding of its corresponding dharmas, it would be like utter chaos; it would be difficult even to exist as an ignorant sentient being. Even bacteria can resolutely understand the situations they face. How then could human and heavenly beings, as higher sentient beings, regulate the functioning of the aggregated body if the seventh consciousness—the ruling one—lacks resolute understanding of dust realms and other dharmas? It cannot operate like a blind cat bumping into a dead mouse, giving confused commands. Such an aggregated body could not survive.

For example, consider a person wanting to buy flowers. Upon arriving at the flower market and seeing numerous fresh flowers to choose from, the eye consciousness must have resolute understanding of the flower colors seen to recognize their hues. The mental consciousness must also have resolute understanding of the flowers to determine whether they are vibrant and fresh, and whether they are what one intends to buy. The mind faculty must have even stronger resolute understanding regarding the flowers, and should clearly comprehend the varieties, colors, prices, and other details that the six consciousnesses perceive and select. Only then can a final decision to buy or not buy be made. If unclear or indecisive, one would continue having the six consciousnesses select and compare until completely clear and satisfied before making the final decision. Only then does the act of buying flowers conclude. This principle applies to all dharmas: the discerning activities of the six consciousnesses must all be resolutely understood by the seventh consciousness, the mind faculty, to propel the functioning of all dharmas. Only then can things proceed without disorder, enabling the aggregated body to live and work normally.