The Eradication of Self-View Necessitates Samādhi

The method for severing the view of self was long established by the Buddha. No approach can succeed without meditative concentration, for all such realization arises through contemplative practice within meditative absorption. Even when the Buddha delivered teachings, he required his disciples to listen with a settled mind and to engage in reflection. The Buddha would say: "Listen attentively and carefully, and reflect upon it well." People of that era, with their simpler minds, possessed varying degrees of meditative absorption. They could listen to the Dharma while simultaneously contemplating and engaging in contemplative practice, making the attainment of realization appear effortless.

In contrast, we people today have diminished merit and virtue. Our minds lack simplicity, being filled with scattered thoughts and distractions. We lack meditative concentration, and due to environmental constraints, we struggle to cultivate it effectively. Consequently, even though the teachings are now explained with great detail, we still fail to engage in contemplative reflection and still do not generate the doubt arising from contemplation. If one possesses some degree of meditative concentration, merely reading the words can trigger contemplative practice, causing the doubt to arise. This doubt will then intensify. Those with strong resolve for the path will feel compelled to relinquish certain worldly affairs, driven to resolve this doubt completely. Without meditative concentration, one cannot engage in contemplative practice, cannot penetrate deeply into the mental faculty. The mental faculty remains incapable; even when the answer lies readily apparent, one cannot grasp it.

The Buddha's Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness (Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta) presents methods that combine both meditative concentration and wisdom. Integrating concentration and wisdom provides the swiftest path for severing the view of self. The Buddha explained these modes of contemplation very clearly and in great detail. Diligently practicing according to these methods makes severing the view of self not particularly difficult. The Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness is an excellent practice method suitable for all types of people. The problem is simply that many are unwilling to put in the effort.