Relinquishing Attachment and Ego Is Relinquishing the Self

In Buddhism, there is a concept called wrongful precepts, which refers to the irrational and non-liberating rules established by non-Buddhist paths. This demonstrates the foolishness of non-Buddhist practitioners who do not understand liberation. Therefore, in Buddhist practice and realization, to eradicate the view of self, one must abandon the wrongful precepts of non-Buddhist paths and cease adhering to them. Only then can one correctly uphold the Buddhist precepts according to the Dharma and eradicate the view of self. Hence, there is no need for us to persistently cling to previously meaningless vows and pledges, which only drain our energy and mental effort. Where there is attachment, there is birth and death, and thus no liberation.

A bodhisattva must possess great wisdom, far surpassing that of worldly merchants, various opportunists, and all kinds of politicians. A bodhisattva would not waste time or energy on matters that yield no benefit; they engage only in beneficial actions, or those of great benefit—focusing on what is most essential.

Relinquish unnecessary and unimportant concerns about face in front of others—this is to relinquish a form of self. Why care about others’ meaningless evaluations and opinions? Since there is no self, why bother with unreasonable judgments? As long as one acts rightly, as long as one engages in actions that benefit others, as long as one does not squander time, and as long as one remains worthy of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and all sentient beings, any approach is acceptable. Clinging stubbornly to an unreasonable fixation, unable to adapt flexibly, is foolishness. As long as there is attachment, Mara will exploit this mentality, leading one to commit foolish acts. Without such mental fixation, one cannot be manipulated; no one can exploit any weakness, and thus no negative consequences arise. The Buddha always taught bodhisattvas not to be concerned with false reputation or fame—whether criticized or praised, the mind should remain unshaken, steadfast only in upholding the truth.

Adjust your practice goals and move directly toward them, disregarding unnecessary matters that bring more loss than gain. Use wisdom, not impulse. Do not fear being seen as a failure in others’ eyes; in reality, only you know the truth. Do not dwell on unnecessary images of yourself in others’ minds—that is merely the self. Only by extinguishing all forms of self can one truly eradicate the view of self. Since there is no self to begin with, what is there to care about?