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

To eliminate the view of self (ātma-dṛṣṭi), one must first know what the so-called "self" actually refers to, and match it against all of one's own functions and attributes—being able to identify which "self" is manifested in each kind of bodily and mental activity, which "self" is manifested in each and every present moment of bodily and mental activity, and which "self" is manifested in the bodily and mental activity within each dharma. Being able to identify so many "selves" is already no easy feat; such wisdom and power of observation are truly remarkable. If one can seize the thief at all times and in all places, it foretells that one will never be robbed again, never again lose the family treasure. This is truly worthy of joy and congratulation. Regardless of whether the thief receives punishment, catching him already counts as half—or even more than half—of the success.