Self-evaluation is the practice of systematically and honestly examining one's own state of knowledge, ignorance, and progress on the path of knowledge. Because the true Self is already perfect, what is being evaluated and measured is the state of the body-mind mechanism.

Measuring Progress

A seeker must regularly assess where they stand on the evolutionary ladder. This self-assessment is done objectively by analyzing specific parameters of daily life:

• Activity of the Layers: Observing which of the layers (animalistic, hedonistic, tribal, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual) is currently dominant in daily life. A more evolved seeker displays a highly balanced, low-entropy activity of the layers.

• Behavior: Observing if one's actions are driven by voluntary choices or involuntary, egoic compulsions.

• Speech: Checking if one's speech is muddy, repetitive, and argumentative (signs of ignorance), or precise, soft, and truthful.

• Thought: Inspecting the clarity and logical consistency of the thought process, and catching negative, circular loops of suffering.

• Relations: Assessing if personal relations are based on greedy dependency and manipulation, or on selfless, non-attached love.

• Mental Afflictions: Identifying residual egoic afflictions such as fear, anger, jealousy, pride, or deceit.

Radical Honesty

Self-evaluation requires absolute honesty and a complete absence of pride. It is not about judging oneself as good or bad, but about bringing hidden, unverified beliefs and resistances into the light of awareness so they can be dissolved.

See also

Path of knowledge, ignorance, awareness, layers, stupidity, ego.