The Eradication of Self-View Necessitates Samādhi

The method for cutting off the view of self was long established by the Buddha. No method is possible without the power of meditative concentration; all involve contemplation and investigation within meditative absorption. Even when the Buddha gave teachings, he required his disciples to listen with a settled mind and to engage in contemplation. The Buddha always said: "Listen carefully, listen attentively, and reflect well." People in those times, due to their simple and pure minds, possessed varying degrees of meditative concentration. While listening to the Dharma, they were able to contemplate and engage in investigative meditation simultaneously. Thus, attaining realization appeared relatively easy.

In our present time, people's merit and virtue are diminished. Their minds are not pure, filled with scattered thoughts and lacking meditative concentration. Due to environmental limitations, they struggle to cultivate meditative concentration effectively. Consequently, even when the teachings are explained in great detail, they still cannot engage in contemplative investigation and fail to generate the necessary doubt. If one possesses some degree of meditative concentration, merely reading the words can trigger contemplation, and the doubt will arise. This doubt will grow increasingly stronger. Those with strong resolve on the path will feel compelled to relinquish certain worldly affairs, driven to resolve this doubt. Without meditative concentration, one cannot engage in contemplation; one cannot penetrate deeply into the manas (the seventh consciousness). The manas remains incapable of exertion; even though the answer is clearly present, one cannot attain it.

The Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta taught by the Buddha contains methods that combine both meditative concentration and wisdom. Integrating concentration and wisdom is the swiftest way to cut off the view of self. The Buddha explained those modes of contemplation very clearly and in great detail. Simply by diligently practicing according to those methods, cutting off the view of self is not overly difficult. The Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta is an excellent practice method suitable for all types of people. The issue is simply that many are unwilling to put in the effort.