How to Observe Where Self-View Lies

To find the locus of one's view of self, one can observe it through one's own cravings. Excessive desires constitute greed; unreasonable demands constitute greed; seeking what should not be sought constitutes greed. Why are there so many desires? Because there is a sense of self within the mind—seeing the form body as self, seeing the feeling aggregate as self, seeing the perception aggregate as self, seeing the mental formations aggregate as self—thus craving arises for the sake of the five aggregates. If there is no self within the mind, one will have few desires and be content, knowing when to stop. One will not seek excessively or pursue relentlessly, much less employ improper means, unreasonable methods, or even harmful ways to pursue personal gain.

A person without self in their mind will not expend effort in pursuit but live according to conditions, and certainly will not resort to unscrupulous means. A selfless person acts by considering others' perspectives, taking into account their interests and caring for their feelings. However, this care does not necessarily mean yielding to others' unreasonable demands; rather, it arises from a concern for others' long-term and ultimate well-being. Such intentions and actions may not always be understood or accepted by others.

A person with a strong sense of self, one who holds firmly to the view of self, inevitably has strong self-attachment. In conduct and affairs, they proceed from their own mind as the starting point, prioritizing themselves and adhering to their own views and opinions. They do not seek others' input or consider others' feelings, often acting according to their own habits first and explaining later—acting first and reporting afterward—regardless of whether it infringes upon others' interests. If others do not comply, they become furious and resort to retaliatory measures to reclaim their own interests, venting resentment without regard for consequences. In this way, each time they prevail in a conflict with others, they regress one step on the path of selfless cultivation and realization, advancing one step deeper into the pit of birth-and-death suffering. Their suffering in this life and future lives will intensify accordingly.

Skillful observation is a crucial aspect of practice. Through skillful observation, one can weigh the true advantages, disadvantages, gains, and losses in all matters. Long-term benefits always outweigh immediate gains; long-term effects far exceed short-term effects. Those with a strong view of self are short-sighted, often seeing only what is immediately before them, blinded by trivial immediate gains. This is what is called karmic obstructions.

What are karmic obstructions? Past ignorance and karmic causes increase one's view of self and self-attachment, obstructing the arising of wisdom. Unable to see the true nature of things, one does not know what constitutes one's true benefit. Mistaking harmful pursuits for great gains, one ends up acting contrary to the path, suffering losses that outweigh any gains.

Sentient beings generally feel the term "ignorance" (無明, wúmíng) is somewhat euphemistic, while "foolishness" (愚痴, yúchī) sounds rather crude. In truth, both terms convey the same meaning. The Buddha used the word "foolishness" to summarize the nature of sentient beings' minds, and this was already quite restrained. Sometimes the Buddha would even shout at his disciples: "Alas! Foolish one!" In reality, no matter what words are used, they cannot fully express the depth of sentient beings' foolishness and stupidity. Nothing said seems potent enough; nothing said stirs sentient beings. One can only fall silent. Even using Mount Sumeru as a lever could not pry loose the stupidity, foolishness, and dullness within sentient beings' minds.