What is determination (adhimokṣa)?

When the conscious mind engages with the dharmas it comes into contact with, it should understand them as they truly are, in the most reasonable way, in the most accurate way, without misinterpreting or falsely interpreting them, and without misunderstanding. If there is misinterpretation and no determination (adhimokṣa), then one cannot make correct and error-free decisions, and one's actions and conduct will surely be wrong, inevitably bringing serious consequences.

If I teach the Dharma and you are never able to attain determination regarding it, then my teaching is in vain and your learning is in vain, with no result—perhaps we merely waste each other's time. If someone speaks to you and you cannot attain determination regarding their words, you will distort their meaning and be unable to respond reasonably and appropriately; the two of you cannot communicate, and even if you try, it is useless. In this way, people cannot communicate and interact with one another, and cannot live together in the same space.

Among the seven consciousnesses, whichever consciousness lacks determination will be unable to correctly interpret the corresponding dharmas and will be unable to make correct and appropriate decisions. The result is like that of a blind person who cannot walk—the conscious mind cannot function normally.