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aware of the existence of the phenomena, the more we will be attached to them. When we are aware of the existence of the phenomenon and we fabricate, this is called “mental action” (manokamma). If the fabrication is wholesome, then wholesome action would result. If the fabrication is unwholesome, then unwholesome action would result. But, as we experience emergence then cessation, fabrication does not emerge. Observe that the mind that experiences the emergence-cessation phenomenon—is that mind wholesome or unwholesome? It is wholesome, correct? With a well-grounded mind and with the awareness, there is wholesomeness.
Therefore, when we practice vipassana, we should have the intention to be aware of the emergence-cessation of various conscious phenomena. Observe that in our daily lives, our minds are inclined to attach to what type of phenomena? With close observations, we will see that our minds tend to attach to unwholesome phenomena. For example, all of us have experienced anger. If the anger exists for one hour, the mind could commit how may unwholesome actions? Numerous—as the mind thinks up issues, caused mainly by anger. The anger drives more and more unwholesome actions. Sometimes the mental actions are transformed into verbal actions and, sometimes, these can even be transformed into physical actions—all because of anger, alone.