Only After the Conceit of the Self-Centered Mind Becomes Subtle Is It Possible to Eradicate Self-View

All conflicts and struggles arise because of the self; without self, there would be no contention or struggle. The nature of selflessness exists in varying degrees, just as self-nature also manifests in different intensities. The lighter one's self-nature, the easier it is to sever self-view; conversely, the heavier it is, the more difficult. During the process of severing self-view, one's self-nature must gradually diminish until it approaches selflessness, only then can self-view be eradicated during the final stage of contemplative practice.

In daily cultivation, one must constantly examine whether one's sense of self is gradually weakening. This involves observing in interpersonal interactions whether one's afflictions remain heavy, and whether arrogance and attachments are still strong. If one observes that arrogance is pronounced and the sense of self is heavy, one must find ways to subdue and restrain oneself.

Why does everyone harbor arrogance? It arises from the belief that one's own five aggregates are superior to others, that one is more important than others. If this perception is not subdued, it becomes very difficult to sever self-view. Only by mistaking one's five aggregates as real, regarding one's perceiving mind as real, and treating possessions such as forms, sounds, scents, tastes, tangible objects, wealth, sensual pleasures, fame, and food as real does the mind—whether consciously or unconsciously—give rise to arrogance, overwhelming others and creating inequality within the heart. During the cultivation process, one must diligently overcome such arrogance. Only after arrogance and self-centeredness have significantly diminished can the severing of self-view become possible.

All afflictions stem from the self; without self, there are no afflictions. The more selfless one becomes, the fewer afflictions arise. Ultimately, with complete selflessness, both afflictions and habitual tendencies will be thoroughly eradicated.