Observation may happen in a few ways:

	Realizing our own mistakes.
	Someone else telling us our mistakes.
	When someone else’s mistakes are discussed we can check to see if we also suffer from that defect.

    Generally, one of our biggest problems initially is acceptance of our mistakes. So it is best that we ourselves identify our mistakes instead of someone else telling us, since we are more accepting when we ourselves identify our own mistakes.

    When we identify our mistakes ourselves, through daily introspection (by filling out the table/chart explained below), it is kind of a self-study. Through study, the intellect is convinced. When self-study improves, intellectual conviction increases, and it helps us persevere in removing that mistake/defect by overcoming obstructions from the fluctuating mind with intellectual conviction. If someone else brings up a mistake, one may not only have reactions, but also not be convinced about it. Thus, filling out the chart daily makes us aware of our defects, as well as helps remove the defect faster by building intellectual conviction about it.

Identifying mistakes

    The following are the general steps when one identifies a mistake:

1.  We realize the mistake when someone points it out

2.  We realize the mistake on our own once the act has been completed

3.  We realize the mistake while doing the act

4.  We realize before committing the mistake

    The 4th stage is the best stage and is what is needed for a good seeker. Generally we need to go through all the stages to get to the 4th stage.

    Next, we will consider how to progress stepwise.