If we just watch our mind then we could know that our mind never rests, even for a moment, and it constantly gives rise to all sorts of afflictive emotions. If we let it happen in that way, then of course it is very difficult to have ultimate happiness.

So it is important to try to get rid of all these conceptual thoughts. Of course that is very difficult, but still one does supplication prayers to the Triple Gem and then tries to maintain one’s awareness. In that way, one works hard to engage into this practice. If one could pacify all these thoughts and rest with single-pointed mind, then that is the ground of actual practice of the path. If one constantly gives rise to conceptual thoughts and cannot get rid of them, then it will be of no benefit at all in the end, and in the next lifetime one may wander in the three lower realms. In general, there are two kinds of thoughts: virtuous thoughts and non-virtuous thoughts. Most of the time, whatever thoughts arise are non-virtuous, so that is why one works hard not to give rise to all sorts of conceptual thoughts. So, during practice time, whatever individual practices you have, try to do them properly.