How to Observe the Locus of Self-View

To find where the view of self arises, one can observe it through their 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 the self exists within the mind—mistaking the physical form as self, the aggregate of sensation as self, the aggregate of perception as self, the aggregate of mental formations as self. Thus, one craves for the sake of these five aggregates. If the mind is free from self, one becomes content with few desires, knowing when to stop. They do not seek excessively, nor do they employ improper means, unreasonable methods, or even harmful approaches to pursue personal gain.

A person free from self in their mind does not labor to seek; they live according to conditions and never resort to unscrupulous means. Such a person acts by considering others’ perspectives, taking their interests into account and caring for their feelings. However, this care does not necessarily mean yielding to others’ unreasonable demands. Instead, it arises from a focus on others’ long-term and ultimate well-being. Their intentions and actions may not always be understood or accepted by others.

Those with a strong sense of self and a heavy view of self inevitably cling fiercely to selfhood. In conduct and affairs, they proceed from their own minds, prioritizing themselves and treating their own views as absolute. They do not seek others’ opinions or consider their feelings, often acting according to their own habits first and explaining later—acting first and reporting afterward—regardless of whether they infringe upon others’ interests. If others do not comply, they become furious and resort to retaliation to reclaim their own interests, venting resentment without regard for consequences. In this way, each time they triumph in a conflict with others, they regress one step on the path of selfless cultivation, sinking deeper into the pit of suffering in the cycle of life and death. The hardships of this life and future lives intensify accordingly.

Skillful observation is a crucial aspect of spiritual practice. Through careful observation, one discerns the true gains and losses, advantages and disadvantages in all matters. Long-term benefits always outweigh immediate gains; lasting effects far surpass short-term results. Those with a heavy view of self are short-sighted, often seeing only what is directly before them. Their vision is clouded by trivial immediate gains—this is what is called karmic hindrance.

What is karmic hindrance? Past karmic causes arising from ignorance strengthen one’s view of self and clinging to self, obstructing the arising of wisdom. Unable to perceive the truth of things, one fails to recognize their true benefit. They pursue what is harmful as if it were greatly beneficial, only to end up achieving the opposite, gaining less than they lose.

Sentient beings often feel the term "ignorance" sounds subtle, while "delusion" seems crude. In truth, both terms share the same meaning. The Buddha used the word "delusion" to describe the nature of sentient beings’ minds—and this was already a gentle expression. Sometimes the Buddha would even shout at disciples: "Fool! Deluded one!" Yet no matter what words are used, they cannot fully convey the depth of sentient beings’ folly and stupidity. Nothing said strikes deep enough; nothing moves them. One can only fall silent. Even using Mount Sumeru as a lever could not pry open the delusion, foolishness, and dullness entrenched in sentient beings’ minds.