The Practice of Buddhism Is to Enable Manas to Realize That All Dharmas Are Not the Self

To practice Buddhism is to enable the mental faculty to recognize that all phenomena are not the self. Once this recognition is complete, one reaches the ultimate state, requiring no further cultivation. Partial recognition yields partial liberation; complete recognition brings ultimate and thorough liberation. The presence of self constitutes karmic obstacles and ignorance, for it is the self that gives rise to all hindrances. Absence of self eliminates all obscurations.

Therefore, we must refrain from constantly projecting the self—displaying how lofty, intelligent, or wise we are, asserting superiority over others. Such severe arrogance entirely obstructs one's spiritual practice, halting progress and even causing regression. I have encountered many who, due to arrogance, abandoned the path and forfeited the benefits of wholesome Dharma. This is truly unwise.