The Operational Functions of Wisdom Mental Factors

All eight consciousnesses possess the mental factor of wisdom (prajñā). Wisdom is clarity, and the absence of wisdom is ignorance (avidyā). The mental factor of wisdom signifies the consciousness-mind's clarity regarding the perceived aspect (nimitta) of its object. Naturally, this clarity varies in degree. Only the eighth consciousness possesses complete and thorough clarity regarding the perceived aspect of its object, entirely free from ignorance. The other seven consciousnesses exhibit varying degrees of clarity regarding the perceived aspect of their objects; it is not complete clarity, and there remains ignorance, with ignorance generally outweighing clarity. The degree of clarity manifests as differing levels of understanding regarding different perceived aspects of the object, and it also varies under different causal conditions.

The mental factor of wisdom operates concurrently and mixed with other mental factors, inseparable from them. If the mental factor of wisdom fails to function during the operation of the consciousness-mind, the operation of the consciousness becomes disordered, the discernment of the corresponding perceived aspect becomes unclear, and it becomes impossible to make correct, rational, and true choices, nor can choices be made swiftly. The outcome of this can be easily imagined. The mental factor of wisdom functions at every stage of the operation of the five universal mental factors (pañca-sarvatraga). It must also function during the operation of the other five object-specific mental factors (pañca-viniyata), otherwise the consciousness-mind becomes disordered and cannot make true and rational choices.

For example, in the operation of eye-consciousness, the initial mental application (manasikāra) and contact (sparśa) might occur without the participation of the wisdom mental factor. However, as the process continues, the wisdom mental factor becomes involved. When eye-consciousness receives the form-dust (rūpa-rajas), the wisdom mental factor functions and knows what the form is. Subsequently, when grasping the form-dust, the wisdom mental factor functions, and it functions even more during the evaluation/choice regarding the form-dust. The stronger the wisdom mental factor, the wiser the choice, and the better the outcome. The same applies to the other consciousnesses, especially during the operation of the sixth and seventh consciousnesses, where the force of the wisdom mental factor is greater and the wisdom is stronger. However, this wisdom is also divided into worldly wisdom and Dharma wisdom. Worldly wisdom is actually still ignorance, not true clarity; it cannot lead to liberation or the achievement of Buddhahood, and may even have the opposite effect, causing one to sink deeply into worldly rebirth without realizing it.

During the operation of the object-specific mental factors, the mental factor of wisdom also operates simultaneously with them. The wisdom mental factor operates combined with the desire mental factor (chanda), combined with the conviction mental factor (adhimokṣa), combined with the mindfulness mental factor (smṛti), and combined with the concentration mental factor (samādhi). However, the strength of the wisdom within the wisdom mental factor varies; its potency differs, leading to vastly different results.