Yogi: I’m simulating practice in daily life – I notice that I’m late in seeing thoughts and that does not help to prevent unwholesome thoughts and actions. And, that’s not useful in daily life.
Can we really be aware of thoughts as they occur? That can prevent unwholesome actions.
Sayadaw: It is possible for the mind to be aware of thinking or whatever else it is doing. For example, you can be aware while walking; and that is simultaneous. So, it is the same with thinking because thinking is another object.
The error in assumption is if you will know what is happening, you can prevent what is happening. That is not the point of being aware.
The point of being aware is to know. The only thing that can prevent the unwholesome or encourage the wholesome is wisdom; and that comes from practice and realization. And that takes time.