The Self-View Must Thin Before It Can Be Eliminated

The differences in self-view (ātma-dṛṣṭi) and self-grasping among sentient beings are very great. Naturally, those with mild self-view and self-grasping find it easier to eliminate self-view, while those with heavy self-view and self-grasping can only hope to eliminate self-view after cultivating practice to transform them into something milder. It is like thick ice that wishes to melt into water all at once: the ice must become ever thinner and less solid. Buddhist practice is in fact first about lightening self-view and self-grasping, gradually reducing karmic obstructions, and making hindrances ever lighter—this is the merit of practice. On this basis, in future lives one can then eliminate self-view very quickly. Practice is a gradual process; it is impossible to reach the goal in one leap. As long as one keeps making progress, that is already gratifying and praiseworthy. Those with a weak foundation may set their goals lower, in accordance with their actual circumstances; in this way practice will have something to strive toward. It is not necessary for everyone to set the goal as awakening to the true mind and seeing one's nature—if one fails to attain it, one becomes dejected and disheartened and no longer wants to practice. The thick ice of the manas's self-view must gradually become lighter and thinner, and this very process is practice.