Intention and thinking are 2 different functions of the mind. Because we believe intention is me, when we intentionally think, we think that ‘I’m thinking’.
Anytime a mind state comes, thinking is already there. Loving-kindness also has the intention to think – wholesome mind has the intention to think; wisdom also thinks.
Thinking is thinking, but lobha and dosa are different; the motivation is different.
Thinking is a different function of the mind – feeling is another function – just as defilement is another function.
If there’s lobha, then lobha thinking comes. If you’re angry, angry thinking comes. If there’s loving kindness, then loving-kindness thinking comes.
Thinking is not a problem; it’s a function of the mind. The defilement that motivates the thinking is the problem.