The Self and Non-self Nature of the Mind

All eight consciousnesses at the buddha-stage possess twenty-one mental factors (caittas), all possess the five object-specific mental factors, and all are of the nature of non-self.

The mental factor of desire (chanda) means having a goal to be achieved; this goal is not necessarily of a self-nature — there are also goals that are selfless and altruistic, aiming to realize an objective.

The mental factor of determination (adhimokṣa) means having an understanding, a comprehension, a clarity regarding the dharma one is engaged with. Only after clarity can one make choices and decisions, and only then can one act.

The mental factor of mindfulness (smṛti) means having thoughts and intentions in the mind, and then carrying out those thoughts and intentions.

The mental factor of concentration (samādhi) has one meaning: having a resolute mind toward a dharma, remaining unwavering and firm in that dharma; another meaning is being settled on a certain dharma without moving, discerning and acting with single-minded focus.

The mental factor of wisdom (prajñā) means acting with wisdom, discerning with wisdom, making choices with wisdom, focusing with wisdom, and so on.

The nature of self manifests in the afflictions of view and the afflictions of thought, and manifests in ignorance; when ignorance is completely eradicated, the seven consciousnesses are thoroughly without self.