The Discernment of the Eight Consciousnesses is Achieved Through Various Mental Factors

The discernment of the eight consciousnesses as the sovereigns of the mind is accomplished through the functioning of mental factors. Without the operation of mental factors, the eight consciousnesses as the sovereigns of the mind lack the capacity for discernment. Discernment is the supportive function provided by mental factors to the conscious mind. For instance, the discernment of the mental consciousness requires the directing (manasikāra) of mental factors towards perceived objects (nimitta), demands the contact (sparśa) of mental factors with the perceived objects, necessitates the grasping and apprehending nature of the perception (saṃjñā) mental factor, and requires the function of the feeling (vedanā) mental factor to receive and experience. It also requires the wisdom discrimination of the wisdom (prajñā) mental factor. At times, it requires the power of concentration (samādhi) from the concentration mental factor; afterward, the mental consciousness must possess the power of decisive understanding (adhimokṣa) regarding the perceived objects. Sometimes, it further requires the supportive and instigating functions of the desire (chanda) and mindfulness (smṛti) mental factors. Within this process, wholesome or unwholesome mental factors may also participate, thereby endowing the discernment with certain wholesome or unwholesome qualities. Thus it is said that the discernment of the eight consciousnesses as the sovereigns of the mind is achieved through various mental factors. Without mental factors, the conscious mind remains incapable of action.