The Relationship Between Citta and Caitta (Part II)

In addition to the five universally functioning mental factors, which constantly accompany the mental consciousness, other mental factors like the five object-specific mental factors operate only under specific circumstances. The afflictive mental factors are not perpetually active; moreover, as the mental consciousness becomes purer, these afflictive factors should gradually diminish and cease to function. Those who employ them excessively are invariably individuals burdened by heavy afflictions. For those whose mental conduct is not yet cultivated in virtue, the eleven wholesome mental factors are difficult to activate and manifest. For those whose mental conduct has turned virtuous, the eleven wholesome mental factors should frequently manifest and operate, so that thoughts and mental activities correspond to wholesomeness.

At times, several mental factors can operate concurrently. For instance, the five universally functioning mental factors are definitely operating every instant. Simultaneously, if desire arises within the mental consciousness, the mental factor of desire manifests. At the same time, if thoughts are present, this is the mental factor of mindfulness operating. Concurrently, if one is aware of having thoughts, this is the mental factor of discernment functioning. Furthermore, if a sense of shame arises, thinking that desires and thoughts should not be present, this is the wholesome mental factor operating. However, if, at the same time, one thinks of a certain person or matter and hatred arises in the mind, this is the afflictive mental factor manifesting. In this case, the wholesome mental factor does not appear; only one of the two can be present.

Wholesome and unwholesome mental factors cannot operate concurrently. When the mental consciousness is correctly applying a wholesome attitude toward an object, an unwholesome mental state cannot arise. The mental factor of greed is unwholesome, while non-greed is wholesome; only one of the two can be present, they cannot coexist in activity. When greed is present, non-greed is absent; only one can exist, or neither. Hatred is unwholesome, non-hatred is wholesome; only one of the two can be present, they cannot coexist or be active simultaneously. Hatred and non-hatred form a pair; when non-hatred is present, hatred is absent; only one can exist. Those who cultivate well should increase their wholesome mental factors, which should manifest frequently. Those with strong meditative stability and a pure mind will have very few wholesome or unwholesome mental factors arising; their mind remains neither wholesome nor unwholesome, unmoved by objects.

The five object-specific mental factors and the five universally functioning mental factors can operate concurrently, and they can also operate concurrently with either type (wholesome or unwholesome) of mental factors. This is because when mental consciousness has clarity, ignorance is absent; when ignorance is present, clarity is absent. Opposing factors cannot be active simultaneously but can arise sequentially. The better one cultivates and the higher the level of realization, the relatively simpler the mental activity becomes in daily life, meaning fewer mental factors operate concurrently. Even when the five universally functioning mental factors are active, their operational process is relatively simple and uncomplicated. Among the five object-specific mental factors, the mental factor of concentration (samādhi) operates more frequently and for longer durations, while the mental factors of desire, mindfulness, and decisive understanding operate very rarely. Afflictive mental factors manifest even less frequently.