How to Eradicate Identity View

Understanding that the five aggregates are suffering, empty, impermanent, and without self is not particularly difficult. The real challenge lies in the deeply ingrained habitual views that are hard to transform. Comprehending some Buddhist teachings is not exceedingly difficult; what is truly difficult is changing one's views and attaining genuine realization of these truths. Everyone knows that the material form is impermanent and cannot possibly be the self, yet this intellectual understanding remains ineffective. The inability to abandon the view of self stems from the profound and ancient conditioning of the manas (the intellectual mind), which remains stubbornly unable to make the mental shift. Therefore, continuous and repeated exposure is necessary to gradually alter its deeply held views.

Thoroughly observe the phenomena of the material body—its arising and ceasing, its changes, its impermanence. Clearly and distinctly comprehend this reality. Then, condense this understanding into a single point and deeply implant it within the heart, entrusting it to the manas. Keep it constantly in mind during all activities—walking, standing, sitting, lying down—and maintain this focus even during seated meditation, holding it high and deep within consciousness. If the observation is not comprehensive or penetrating enough, observe and contemplate again. One day, even the dull-rooted manas will awaken, and suddenly it will realize: "Indeed, this material body is not the self." Thus, the view of self is abandoned.