The Mental Factor of Determination (adhimokṣa-caitta)

All seven consciousnesses possess determination (adhimokṣa) regarding dharmas, because each of the seven consciousnesses has its own corresponding dharmas. If any consciousness cannot attain determination regarding its corresponding dharmas, then that consciousness-mind will fail to clearly recognize the corresponding dharmas, and subsequent operations will not occur, or the subsequent operations will be entirely disordered. Sentient beings would then be unable to live, work, and cultivate normally, and nothing could be discussed at all. This is so for the six consciousnesses, and even more so for the seventh consciousness. If the consciousness that serves as the master cannot attain determination regarding its corresponding dharmas, it is as if the whole world were thrown into chaos—even being a deluded sentient being would be difficult. Even bacteria can attain determination regarding the situations they face. As for the assembly of humans and devas, sentient beings far more advanced than bacteria, if the seventh consciousness that serves as the master and ruler cannot attain determination regarding sense objects and the various dharmas, how could it regulate and control the operation of the five-aggregate body? It cannot be like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead rat, directing things in a dazed and confused manner. Such a five-aggregate body could not survive.

For example, take the matter of a person wanting to buy flowers. Upon arriving at the flower market and seeing numerous fresh flowers, one must make a selection. The eye consciousness must have determination regarding the colors of the flowers seen, in order to know what the colors of the fresh flowers are. The eye consciousness must also have determination regarding the fresh flowers, in order to know whether they are vivid and fresh, and whether they are what one wants to buy. The manas must have even greater determination regarding the fresh flowers; it should be even more clear about the varieties, colors, prices, and other details of the flowers seen and selected by the six consciousnesses, and only then can it finally decide whether to buy or not. If it is not clear, or if it cannot make up its mind, it will continue to let the six consciousnesses select and compare, until everything is completely clear and satisfactory, and only then make the final decision. Only then will the matter of buying fresh flowers come to an end. It is the same with all dharmas: the manas, the seventh consciousness, must attain determination regarding everything discerned by the six consciousnesses, so that it can propel all operations forward without disorder, allowing the five-aggregate body to live and work normally.