Self-Assessment

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Human beings are not so good at self-assessment. Over-estimation of knowledge, skills and understanding is rife in every walk of life. A study of high-tech firms in the U.S. found that between 30 – 40% of software engineers rated their skills in the top 5% in their company. In a well-known survey at the University of Nebraska, 90% of faculty members rated their teaching as above average, and 68% believed themselves in the top 25%.

Our tendency to gloss over, justify or entirely overlook our faults can have serious repercussions. To guard against it we need to commit ourselves to saccaparami, the perfection of truthfulness. Through this love of truth and rejection of all deception, we can find the courage to look within, without flinching, at even the most uncomfortable things. Aided by patience and forgiveness, we can deal with our shortcomings in the wisest way.

At the same time we need to make ourselves open to feedback, and actively encourage it. Even strengthened by the love of truth, we are often the prey of bias and blind spots. Good friends, willing when necessary to speak plainly to us, are of invaluable assistance on the path.

The third quality that we need to call upon is chanda, wise motivation. Over-estimation is often the result of our desire for external rewards or validation. When our joy is in learning itself and in meeting the challenges of the way, we lose our complacency. The path to success, whether worldly or spiritual, begins with chanda.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.