The Opportunity to Catch the Thief

For practitioners who have attained a certain degree of awakening, if they frequently turn the light inward and reflect upon themselves, they will discover that the "self" deep within their mind always tries to pop its head out. This is a good thing—those without awakening cannot discover it. When you discover that "self" popping its head out, observe this self: see where it actually comes from and where it goes, how it arises, how it ceases, how it operates, what its mental activities are like, and what purpose it has.

If you observe in this way constantly, there will surely be major discoveries. Those who cultivate in this way should not deliberately suppress themselves; let it pop its head out, then seize it and put it on trial. Once you clarify its origins and whereabouts, you will gain greatly.

Later, when eradicating afflictions, do the same: do not deliberately suppress the afflictions; watch where they arise, quickly seize them, and put them through a thorough trial and examination. Then they can certainly be transformed.

Cultivation is actually easier to practice within this Sahā world, for everywhere there are opportunities to catch the thief. As long as you can catch the thief, you can recognize him, and your own family treasure will no longer be lost.