The Five Universal Mental Factors Dharma Pervading the Three Realms and Nine Stages

The Five Universally Operating Mental Factors are capable of universally accompanying the operation of the mind-consciousness, pervading all locations where the mind-consciousness exists, pervading all times during which the mind-consciousness is present, and pervading all realms (the Three Realms and Nine Stages, as well as the Nirvana of the Eighth Consciousness) in which the mind-consciousness functions.

The Contact Mental Factor enables the mind-consciousness to make contact and establish connection with corresponding dharmas. The Attention Mental Factor enables the mind-consciousness to focus on the object of cognition. The Sensation Mental Factor enables the mind-consciousness to receive the object of cognition and generate feelings. The Perception Mental Factor enables the mind-consciousness to discern the characteristics of the object of cognition and give rise to its grasping nature. The Volition Mental Factor enables the mind-consciousness to initiate discrimination and behavioral activities.

All eight consciousnesses possess these five functional operations. The functions of the mind-consciousness necessarily manifest in these five forms, though they certainly also manifest through other mental factors. Though the mind-consciousness itself is formless, invisible, and without characteristics, the functions of these five operations and other mental factors can nevertheless be observed and recognized by the mental consciousness. By recognizing these functional operations, the mental consciousness recognizes the mind-consciousness itself, thereby realizing the mind-consciousness.