Yogi: If I know that I’m perceiving something, how is it beneficial?
Sayadaw: You know that the mind is doing this. If you can be aware of perception repeatedly, then you will realize that the mind is not personal – each different mind has its own function.
For example, you know that perception is happening, that it is doing its job. If you notice it many times, you can understand that perception is not personal – it’s just the mind happening. You can understand reality.
Previously, you think that perception is ‘me’; much later on, you’ll realize that perception is nature. The view can then change.
That’s why we’re aware – we learn from the experience, not for nothing. Secondly, when there is awareness of any object – any mental state or physical object - the quality of mind is also good because awareness is a wholesome mind.