Diminish Self-View Before Eliminating It

The degree of self-view and self-attachment varies greatly among sentient beings. Naturally, those with slight self-view and self-attachment find it easier to sever self-view, while those with heavy self-view and self-attachment can only hope to sever it after their self-view and self-attachment have diminished through cultivation. Just as solid ice cannot melt into water all at once—it must gradually become thinner and less solid—Buddhist practice essentially involves first attenuating self-view and self-attachment, gradually reducing karmic obstacles, and lightening obscurations. This is the merit of cultivation. On this foundation, one can swiftly sever self-view in future lives.

Cultivation is a gradual process; it is impossible to reach the goal instantly. Any continuous progress is commendable and gratifying. Those with a weak foundation may set lower, more realistic goals aligned with their actual circumstances. This way, practice holds promise. There is no need for everyone to aim directly for enlightenment or seeing the true nature, as failing to achieve such lofty goals may lead to discouragement and abandonment of practice. The solid ice of self-view in the manas must gradually grow thinner and weaker—this gradual transformation is the path of cultivation.