What Is the "Self" in the Eradication of Self-View?

To eradicate the view of self, one must first understand what is referred to as the "self" and map it onto all functional attributes of one's own being. One must be able to identify which self is being manifested in every mental and physical activity, which self is being revealed in each present moment of mental and physical activity, and which self is being displayed within every phenomenon involving mental and physical activity. Merely being able to identify so many manifestations of the self is already an immensely challenging feat, requiring remarkable wisdom and powers of observation. To apprehend the thief at every moment and in every place signifies that one will no longer be robbed in the future, nor will the family treasure ever be lost again. This is truly commendable. Regardless of whether the thief is punished, being able to apprehend them constitutes half, or even the greater part, of success.