Yogi: Sometimes I find myself just present, and that’s enough. Sometimes the mind presents some questions about this or that, and that creates tension. Is awareness a state that just is and is wisdom a state that just understands?

Sayadaw: When we’re aware and we think about what we’re aware of, the thinking is not a problem.

What motivates the thinking is more important. Sometimes an unwholesome quality of mind like doubt is doing the thinking. It causes tension when the mind is confused and says ‘Should I do this or should I do that?’

Tension is an indication that something unskillful is happening in the mind. When that happens because of doubt, drop everything and watch the doubt. Doubt needs to be cleared first and the way to do that is to watch it.

Yogis misunderstand investigation because investigation has a context. It is to bring in curiosity to yogis that just follow instructions. For those who are naturally curious and who already explore on their own, there is no need for any more special questioning – they just need to take care of the awareness and curiosity will naturally do the investigation.