How to Eradicate Self-View Early?

If one wishes to eradicate the view of self early on, one should usually diminish the consciousness of "I." Observe one's thoughts to see if they all revolve around "me." When one notices a strong sense of self-awareness, one should become aware of it or admonish oneself not to be overly compliant with the self. Moments of encountering setbacks are also excellent opportunities to observe and subdue the self. It is precisely because of the existence of "I" that one feels setbacks; by overcoming this self, the sense of setback will diminish or disappear. This greatly aids in eradicating the view of self.

In both social settings and solitude, reduce one's sense of presence; do not pay excessive attention to oneself or take oneself too seriously. Avoid being competitive or striving to be first in everything. The self is not truly existent, the other is not truly existent, and the group is not truly existent. There is no first or second, no best or worst—all are merely illusory designations. Thoughts such as "I must conquer everyone," "I must show off," or "I must have all eyes on me" reflect a heavy sense of self. Such thoughts prevent one from eradicating the view of self, let alone becoming a sage. A sage possesses an empty mind and non-action; such a mentality is entirely different. The more one strives to stand out, the further one falls behind in spiritual attainment, failing to align with non-action and thus unable to become a sage. The emergence of a sage is precisely the opposite: devoid of a sense of self-existence, one engages in actions while maintaining a mind of non-action, wholeheartedly serving the multitude. Only then does one become qualified to be a sage.