Adhimokṣa Cetasika

All seven consciousnesses possess adhimukti (resolute conviction) toward dharmas (phenomena), because each consciousness has its corresponding dharmas. If any consciousness lacks adhimukti toward its corresponding dharmas, that consciousness cannot clearly recognize its objects, leading to the absence of subsequent functions or complete dysfunction in subsequent operations. Sentient beings would then be unable to live, work, or practice normally, rendering everything impossible. This is true for the six consciousnesses, and even more so for the seventh consciousness. If the sovereign consciousness (the seventh consciousness) lacks adhimukti toward its corresponding dharmas, it would be like plunging the world into chaos. One could not even manage to be an ignorant sentient being—even bacteria can have adhimukti toward the situations they face. How then could humans and celestial beings, as higher sentient beings, regulate the functioning of the five-aggregate body if the sovereign seventh consciousness (manas) lacks adhimukti toward sense objects and other dharmas? It cannot operate like a blind cat bumping into a dead mouse, giving muddled and confused commands. Such a five-aggregate body could not survive.

For example, consider the act of buying flowers. When going to a flower market and seeing numerous flowers to choose from, the eye consciousness must have adhimukti toward the flower colors seen to recognize the hues of the blossoms. The mental consciousness (mano-vijñāna) must also have adhimukti toward the flowers to determine whether they are vibrant and fresh, and whether they are what one intends to buy. The manas (the seventh consciousness) must have even stronger adhimukti toward the flowers; it should be even clearer about the varieties, colors, prices, and other details that the six consciousnesses perceive and select. Only then can a final decision to buy or not buy be made. If unclear or indecisive, one would continue to let the six consciousnesses select and compare until everything is fully clear and satisfactory before making the final decision. Only then does the act of buying flowers conclude. The same principle applies to all dharmas: the manas, the seventh consciousness, must have adhimukti toward all the discernments made by the six consciousnesses. Only then can it propel the functioning of all dharmas without error, enabling the five-aggregate body to live and work normally.