The Eleven Virtuous Mental Factors and the Role of Faith

Vocabulary flashcards covering the eleven virtuous mental factors, detailed aspects of faith, the three kinds of non-faith, and the various functions and analogies of faith presented in the lecture.

What are the eleven virtuous mental factors?

The eleven naturally virtuous mental factors are:

1. Faith: Confidence in the Triple Gem and the law of karma.

2. Sense of Shame: A sense of conscience, feeling ashamed of wrongdoing.

3. Consideration for others: Decorum: Regard for others, being cautious of causing harm or displeasure.

4. Non-attachment: Lack of craving or greed.

5. Non-hatred: Absence of hostility or aversion, cultivating love and kindness.

6. Non-ignorance: Wisdom, clear comprehension, and understanding of reality.

7. Effort: Diligence or enthusiasm in virtuous actions.

8. Mental Suppleness: A flexibility of mind induced by virtuous concentration.

9. Conscientiousness: Mindfulness and carefulness in actions of body, speech, and mind.

10. Equanimity: Mental balance and composure, free from agitation or dullness.

11. Non-harming: Compassion, the wish for others to be free from suffering.

Faith

A mental factor that eliminates non-faith and serves as the root of all spiritual attainments by inducing virtuous aspirations.

Sense of shame

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors; its mere presence turns the mind virtuous.

Consideration for others

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors that automatically makes the mind virtuous when present.

Non-attachment

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors characterized by freedom from clinging; its presence makes the mind virtuous.

Non-hatred

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors characterized by the absence of anger; it renders the mind virtuous.

Non-ignorance

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors marked by freedom from confusion; it virtuousizes the mind.

Effort

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors; joyful perseverance that turns the mind virtuous.

Mental suppleness

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors; flexibility of mind that keeps it virtuous.

Conscientiousness

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors; careful attention that maintains virtue in the mind.

Equanimity

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors; balanced mind that is naturally virtuous.

Non-harmfulness

One of the eleven virtuous mental factors; intention not to harm, which renders the mind virtuous.

Non-faith

The opposite of faith, comprising disbelief, non-admiration, and not wishing; it obstructs spiritual progress.

Non-faith of disbelief

Disbelief in correct dharma objects that prevents engagement in spiritual practice.

Non-faith of non-admiration

Mental factor that sees faults in virtuous objects or holy beings, making the mind unclear and confused.

Non-faith of not wishing

Mind that lacks desire for virtuous attainments, blocking aspiration toward liberation or enlightenment.

Function of faith

To induce virtuous aspirations; without faith there is no wish, effort, or result in practice.

Faith in secret mantra practice

Strong faith is essential for success in mantra recitation; without it, attainments do not arise.

Faith as a mother

Like a mother, faith precedes, protects, and increases all virtuous activities while dispelling hesitation.

Faith as supreme wealth

Inner wealth that cannot be lost or stolen, brings lasting happiness, and leads to liberation and enlightenment.

Faith as legs

Enables traversal of the ten bodhisattva grounds to enlightenment, surpassing ordinary legs that travel only worldly paths.

Faith as hands

Allows us to gather virtues just as physical hands gather external objects.

Believing faith

Firm belief in spiritually beneficial objects such as the two truths, two paths, and the three bodies of a Buddha.

Admiring faith

Tranquil, lucid mind free from negative conceptions that purifies mental turbulence by contemplating virtues of holy beings.

Wishing faith

Wish to follow any dharma path based on recognizing its good qualities; includes aspirations for enlightenment and to benefit others.

Faith pervading virtuous minds

Every virtuous mind is mixed with faith, just as space pervades all places.