Yogi: When we watch thoughts, do we watch the content of the thoughts or that thinking is happening?

Sayadaw: Thoughts are not very important – what motivates the thoughts is more important.

Thinking is just thinking; it is one function of the mind. Wholesome mind thinks and unwholesome mind also thinks. Thinking is neutral.

There is some motivation behind the thinking – it could be wholesome or unwholesome mind.

This motivation makes the mind tense or relaxed. We need to see this relationship.

Yogi: So, we watch what motivates the thoughts and whether it causes the mind to be tense or relaxed?

Sayadaw: Yes. That is more important – thoughts are not very important.