Mental engagement (Buddhism)

In Tibetan Buddhism, this is the factor which directs the mind to a specific object of observation.

In Hinayana Buddhism, this is what causes the mind to differ from its previous, life-continuum state. It acts in three ways: it controls or regulates the object of attention; it controls or regulates the cognitive series or process of consciousness; it controls or regulates impulsion or apperception. It is the first of these three which is referred to as one of the formations aggregate. The latter two are five-door adverting and mind-door adverting. The characteristic of attention as controller of object is conducting or driving associated states towards the object; its function is to link them with the object; it is manifest as confronting the object, the object is the proximate cause.

One of the five omnipresent mental factors defined in Tibetan Buddhism. One of the formations aggregate (mental coefficients) of Hinayana Buddhism, being listed among the "or-whatever" states, and as general primary (always present in any consciousness).