The Relationship Between the Mental Factor of Determination and the Mental Factor of Wisdom

The treatise states that resolute conviction (adhimokṣa) is the unwavering affirmation of an object, knowing the object as it is, recognizing it without error or doubt. For instance, when the mind encounters a flower or the moon, it resolutely perceives them as the flower and the moon, without hesitation, trusting its own understanding and not being easily swayed. This is resolute conviction. The term "resolute" emphasizes the depth of understanding regarding the object, approaching its true nature. However, it is not yet the ultimate certainty, nor has it realized the true nature of the object. Therefore, there is still the mental factor of wisdom (prajñā) that follows. Only when the mental factor of wisdom arises can one realize the object, attain certainty about it, and fully comprehend the reality of the flower and the moon.

Resolute conviction is akin to knowing the "what," while wisdom is akin to knowing the "why." One is understanding, the other is realization. Resolute conviction is superficial wisdom, the foundation of wisdom, while wisdom is the ultimate, final cognition. In the practice and realization of the Dharma, the mental factor of resolute conviction corresponds to intellectual understanding (解悟), and the mental factor of wisdom corresponds to experiential realization (证悟). For intellectual understanding to transform into experiential realization, one must pass through two stages: the mental factor of mindfulness (smṛti) and the mental factor of meditative absorption (samādhi). Through these, the understood Dharma is firmly imprinted in the mind, remembered without forgetfulness. By cultivating meditative concentration and continuously contemplating this Dharma without interruption, the mind eventually opens with certainty, and great wisdom manifests, leading to experiential realization.

Achieving resolute conviction regarding flowers and the moon is a mundane matter and may seem relatively easy. As long as one possesses conventional knowledge and concepts, with normally functioning sense faculties and no obscurations, one can attain resolute conviction about flowers and the moon, which also contains some degree of superficial wisdom. However, attaining the level of resolute conviction in the Dharma is not so easy. It requires sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Dharma, as well as the practice of the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment to reduce the obscurations of karmic hindrances. Only then can one achieve resolute conviction. Yet, there remains a considerable distance to realization. Further cultivation and the fulfillment of certain conditions are necessary for smooth realization.