Explanation of the Diamond Sutra: Characteristics of the Notion of Self

In the Surangama Sutra, the World-Honored One described the subtle notion of self: For instance, when a person is entirely at ease and comfortable throughout the body, with limbs fully relaxed, body and mind tranquil and profoundly still, one may suddenly forget the existence of the body and be unaware of its location. At that moment, if the body is gently pricked with a needle, pain is immediately felt, and one unconsciously perceives "I am in pain," thus revealing the mental notion of self. Sentient beings unconsciously regard the body as the self, perceive awareness as the self, and consider the five aggregates as the self. This is a very subtle notion of self, universally present among sentient beings.

The notion of self discussed in the Diamond Sutra encompasses both coarse and subtle aspects, with an emphasis on the coarse and heavy notion of self. Sentient beings commonly possess coarse, very coarse, and heavy notions of self. In those who have not severed the view of self, the notion of self manifests constantly and everywhere, particularly obvious, yet they remain unaware and unenlightened—whether they are Buddhists or not. Among those who study and practice Buddhism, the view of self and the notion of self are also severe. To highlight the self, they readily consider themselves extraordinary, superior to others, and always, intentionally or unintentionally, misinterpret themselves as having attained fruition, realized the mind, and so on. Without any evidence, they proclaim this everywhere, hoping to gain others’ reverence and special regard, feeling they have finally surpassed others and held their heads high. Consequently, they become extremely proud, arrogant, and self-important, looking down on everyone, with corrupt and evil behavior. These are all manifestations of possessing the notion of self, which also includes the notion of others and the notion of sentient beings. As long as there is the notion of others, sentient beings, or a lifespan, there must be the notion of self; with the notion of self, the other three notions necessarily follow. The four notions are inseparable.

Often, the notion of self is closely linked with the notion of others, hence the comparisons and contrasts between individuals, leading to jealousy, competition, disputes, conflicts, and even various wars. Wars between nations arise when the individual notions of self and others converge into collective notions of self and others. Similarly, competition and disputes among various groups occur when the small self becomes a large self, amplifying the notion of self and its influence. Though it may seem as if individuals have no self, in reality, it is all still the notion of self.

The notion of self is even more pronounced in the secular world. Ordinary people generally take symbols such as power, fame, wealth, identity, status, honor, social class, money, etc., as the notion of self, deeply immersed in and clinging to them. For the sake of false pride and to be looked up to by others, they are willing to pay any price, extremely concerned about others’ gazes and evaluations. Moreover, they strive to showcase their advantages and uniqueness to elicit admiration from others, satisfying their own vanity. Such examples are too numerous to mention, found everywhere, so they will not be listed here. In this, the notion of others is involved; otherwise, they would not care about others’ gazes and evaluations. Because of the notion of self, for the sake of that so-called self, they indulge endlessly in greed, hatred, and delusion, fully enjoying the pleasures of the five desires. Their six senses never rest for a moment; even when asleep, they are preoccupied with wealth, sex, fame, and food. Ordinary beings are thus devoid of any lofty aspirations, clinging to low-level desires, merely earning money and indulging in pleasures—nothing more.

In short, because ordinary beings possess the notion of self, all their physical, verbal, and mental actions revolve around and fully manifest this notion. Without the notion of self, there would not be so much greed, life would be much simpler, and there would be far less contrivance. Many matters would naturally cease; without thoughts, there are no troubles; without desires, there are no pursuits. Physical, verbal, and mental actions become very low-key, with no desire to stand out, showcase the self, or be self-centered. Whether or not a person harbors the notion of self in their heart is unconsciously revealed in their speech and actions; it cannot be concealed or faked, because the ingrained habits cannot be suppressed.