The Eleven Wholesome Mental Factors (Part 1)

The wholesome mental factors associated with the eleven wholesome dharmas sometimes accompany the functioning of the mind-consciousness and sometimes do not. Only after the mind-consciousness eradicates afflictions can they more frequently accompany the mind-consciousness; only after the mind-consciousness exhausts all afflictions and habitual tendencies can they constantly accompany the mind-consciousness, and the mind-consciousness will always be wholesome. However, the eighth consciousness (store consciousness) has always been wholesome, not unwholesome, and not afflicted.

The wholesome mental factors of the seven consciousnesses in unwholesome individuals only occasionally arise. In wholesome individuals, the wholesome mental factors of the seven consciousnesses sometimes arise and sometimes do not. After the sixth and seventh consciousnesses transform into wisdom, the wholesome mental factors accompany the mind-consciousness very frequently, though occasionally they still do not arise. Only in the case of a Buddha, the wholesome mental factors of the seven wisdom-consciousnesses constantly arise, always arise, and permanently accompany the wisdom-mind without disappearing.

The mental factor of faith (śraddhā) refers to belief, conviction, and self-confidence. It is believing in the existence of wholesome dharmas, their meritorious functions, the power of wholesome dharmas, the principles of wholesome dharmas, the changes in wholesome dharmas, the results of wholesome dharmas, and so forth. However, true faith specifically refers to right faith, faith based on reason, deep faith, pure faith, and wholesome faith. It is without wrong faith, unwholesome faith, impure faith, or an impure mind. It can accept and affirm the right principles, deeply believe in the merits of the Three Jewels, and be confident that one will certainly attain Buddhahood. The mental factor of faith does not arise and manifest at all times. It arises only under special circumstances, when it is needed and necessary. It requires profound roots of goodness and merit, cultivated over countless eons of learning the Buddha Dharma, to attain perfection of faith. After faith is established, one will accept, submit, follow accordingly, and act accordingly. All of the first seven consciousnesses correspond to the mental factor of faith. Regardless of the stage of cultivation, the higher the stage of cultivation, the more complete the faith.

The mental factors of shame (hri) and remorse (apatrāpya): Shame is feeling one has let oneself down, remorse is feeling one has let others down, leading to feelings of unease, self-reproach, shame, guilt, embarrassment, remorse, regret, and so on. Having shame and remorse within the mind indicates that the self has been subdued, that one understands self-reflection, and corresponds to the state of non-self; it is not the arrogance of an inflated ego. The sixth and seventh consciousnesses correspond to these two mental factors of shame and remorse. Regardless of the stage of cultivation, the higher the stage of cultivation, the greater the sense of shame and remorse.