How to Eliminate the Identity View (satkāya-dṛṣṭi)

Understanding that the five aggregates are suffering, empty, impermanent, and non-self is not really difficult; the difficulty lies in the deeply rooted notions that are hard to transform. Understanding some Buddhist teachings is not hard; what is hard is transforming one's notions, and hard is truly realizing these dharmas. Everyone knows that the physical body is impermanent and cannot possibly be the self, yet it is of no use—one cannot eliminate the view of the body. This is because the manas' age-old notions are too deep and heavy, and it simply cannot turn this corner. Therefore, one needs constant immersion and re-immersion to change its notions.

Observe thoroughly the phenomena of the physical body's arising, ceasing, change, and impermanence, knowing this matter clearly and distinctly. Then condense this matter into a single point and place it deep in the mind, handing it over to the manas. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, keep this matter hanging in the mind; even when sitting in meditation, keep this matter hanging there—hanging it high and deep. If the observation is not comprehensive or thorough enough, then observe and contemplate again. One day, the dull-facultied manas will suddenly have an opening and suddenly understand: the physical body is truly not the self. Thereupon, the view of the body is eliminated.