What is Thought.

Our thoughts exist, because thoughts are tied to an objects which exist. Therefore, we could say that thoughts are the objects, thoughts exist because the objects that cause/arose this thought exist. Thoughts cannot exist without the objects, so the thoughts are the objects themselves, the objects are the thoughts. And since objects do not exist (its empty, immaterial) therefore, we shall not "dwell on the Nonconditioned [non-existed]."

Meaning one should recognize the thoughts of the objects, but should not limit his/her actions to something (condition of the object) which does not ultimately exists. Be mindful of everything, but take control of your actions, not be mis-guided by non existed objects/thoughts, they are empty and impermanent, and there is no purpose to pursue or be agitated by them.

Original excerpt:

" Thought is like the flame of a lamp, and it proceeds through causes and conditions.

where there is an object, there thought arises. If the object were one thing, and the thought another, then there would be a double state of thought. So the object itself is just thought.

Thought proceeds, without any staying power, like a monkey or like the wind. It ranges far, bodiless, easily changing, agitated by the objects of sense, with the six sense-fields for its sphere, connected with one thing after another.

What does it mean, "not dwelling on the Nonconditioned"? The bodhisattva contemplates the reality of Emptiness but does not take Emptiness as an object of attainment.

The bodhisattva practices the reality of Nonappearance and Nonpursuit but does not take Nonappearance or Nonpursuit as an object of attainment....

He meditates on Suffering but does not reject the world of births and deaths.

He meditates on Detachment but goes on realizing good things in the world.

He meditates on Nonaction but continues always his acts oof service and education.

He meditates compassion but does not abandon Great Compassion.

Practicing in the way, the bodhisattva is described as "not dwelling on the Nonconditioned."

He has wisdom but does not end his action in the realm of the conditioned...he wants to realize his great Vow but he will not abandon the conditioned world. "


Excerpts from
Nhat Hanh - "The Miracle of Mindfulness" 1987, p. 135-138



One shall bridging the gap between the current "conditioned world" and the ultimate reality.

One shall see how empty and impermanent the conditioned world (object, thoughts) is in compare to reality. However, one shall not as a result, ignore the object and thoughts, instead, should always be mindful of their impermanence deep inside their minds.