Method of Self-Analysis

Method of Self-Analysis

By Swami Sivananda

Daily self-analysis or self-examination is indispensable. Then alone can you remove your defects and can grow rapidly in spirituality. A gardener watches the young plants very carefully. He removes the weeds daily. He puts a strong fence around them. He waters them at the proper time. Then alone they grow beautifully and yield fruits quickly. Even so, you should find out your defects through daily introspection and self-analysis, and then eradicate them through suitable methods. If one method fails, you must adopt a combined method. If prayer fails, you should take recourse to Satsanga or association with the wise, Pranayama, meditation, dietetic regulations, enquiry, etc. You should destroy not only big waves of pride, hypocrisy, lust, anger, etc., that manifest on the surface of the conscious mind, but also their subtle impressions which lurk in the corners of the subconscious mind. Then only you are perfectly safe.

These subtle impressions are very dangerous. They lurk like thieves and attack you when you are napping, when you are not vigilant, when your dispassion wanes, when you slacken a bit your daily spiritual practice, and when you are provoked. If these defects do not manifest even under extreme provocation on several occasions, even when you are not practising daily introspection and self-analysis, you can assure yourself that the subtle impressions also are obliterated. Now you are safe. The practice of introspection and self-analysis demands patience, perseverance, leech-like tenacity, application, iron will, iron determination, subtle intellect, courage, etc. But you will gain a fruit of incalculable value. That precious fruit is Immortality, supreme peace and infinite bliss. You will have to pay a heavy price for this. Therefore you should not murmur when you do daily practice. You should apply your full mind, heart, intellect and soul to spiritual practice. Then only, rapid success is possible.

Keep daily spiritual diary and practise self-analysis (self-examination) at night. Note down how many good actions you have done, what mistakes you have committed during the course of the day. In the morning resolve: – I will not yield to anger today. I will practise celibacy today. I will speak truth today.

Method of Self-Analysis – Inner Observation, Correction, and Spiritual Growth

Method of Self-Analysis is a practical discipline through which a seeker studies the mind, examines conduct, and corrects inner weaknesses. Many people live outwardly active lives but rarely look within. They notice the mistakes of others quickly, but their own habits, desires, fears, and reactions remain hidden. Self-analysis turns attention inward and helps the aspirant understand the real condition of the mind.

Spiritual progress begins with honest seeing. A person may read scriptures, attend satsang, repeat prayers, and practice meditation, but if anger, pride, jealousy, greed, and selfishness remain unexamined, growth becomes slow. Inner observation reveals where the seeker stands. It shows what must be purified, what must be strengthened, and what must be surrendered.

Method of Self-Analysis should be practiced calmly, not with guilt or self-hatred. The purpose is not to condemn oneself, but to understand oneself. When a doctor examines a patient, the aim is healing, not judgment. In the same way, the seeker examines thoughts, words, actions, and motives so that the inner life may become healthier, purer, and stronger.

A good time for this practice is at night before sleep. Sit quietly for a few minutes and review the day. Ask yourself: Did I speak truthfully? Did I hurt anyone by words or actions? Did I waste time? Did I control anger? Did I remember the Divine? Did I act with selfishness or kindness? Such questions bring hidden tendencies into clear light.

The seeker should also observe recurring patterns. Some people become angry in the same situations again and again. Some become jealous when others succeed. Some seek praise, avoid responsibility, or speak harshly under pressure. These repeated reactions show the deeper impressions of the mind. Once they are recognized, they can be gradually weakened.

Method of Self-Analysis includes examination of motives. An action may look good outwardly, but the motive behind it may be mixed with ego, pride, desire for praise, fear, or attachment. True spiritual life requires purity of intention. The seeker should ask, “Why am I doing this? Is it for service, duty, love, and truth, or for name, control, and personal gain?”

Writing a simple spiritual diary can be very helpful. Record important mistakes, improvements, strong emotions, and moments of awareness. Do not write too much or make it mechanical. A few sincere lines are enough. Over time, the diary becomes a mirror. It shows whether anger is reducing, discipline is increasing, prayer is deepening, and the mind is becoming steadier.

Self-analysis must be joined with resolution. Merely seeing a weakness is not enough. After noticing a fault, make a clear and practical decision. If speech was harsh, resolve to speak more gently tomorrow. If time was wasted, plan better use of time. If meditation was missed, return to regular practice. Small sincere resolutions slowly change character.

Method of Self-Analysis also requires humility. The ego does not like to admit mistakes. It defends, justifies, blames others, and hides weakness. Humility allows the seeker to learn. A humble person can say, “Yes, this fault is in me, and I must work on it.” Such honesty is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This practice should not make the seeker gloomy. Some people become too serious and only see their defects. That is not balanced. One should also notice progress, gratitude, good qualities, and moments of grace. If patience improved even slightly, acknowledge it. If anger was controlled once, appreciate the effort. Encouragement supports steady growth.

Good company supports self-analysis. When the seeker lives among noble people, reads uplifting teachings, and listens to wise guidance, the mind becomes more willing to improve. A Guru or spiritual teacher can also point out hidden weaknesses with compassion. But the seeker must be ready to listen without resistance.

Method of Self-Analysis becomes deeper when joined with meditation. In silence, thoughts and emotions become easier to observe. The seeker begins to see that anger, desire, fear, and pride are movements in the mind, not the true self. The witnessing awareness remains separate from them. This understanding gives inner freedom and strength.

Prayer is also essential. After examining the day, offer all mistakes to the Divine and ask for strength to improve. Human effort is necessary, but grace gives courage and purity. Prayer removes despair and keeps the heart soft. The seeker learns to correct faults without losing faith in the higher possibility of transformation.

The aim is not perfection in one day. Old habits may return many times. The seeker may fall, forget, react, and feel discouraged. Still, one must begin again. Every honest observation, every sincere correction, every prayerful effort, and every act of restraint becomes part of spiritual progress.

In the end, Method of Self-Analysis is a mirror for the inner life and a tool for self-purification. Through daily reflection, honest observation, spiritual diary, humility, prayer, meditation, and practical resolutions, the seeker slowly removes weakness and strengthens noble qualities. This discipline leads to clarity, purity, self-control, peace, and steady progress toward liberation.

Six Classifications of Bhakti