@whatmi22: "There are people who can speak eloquently about the Dharma without having had any true, personal experience of it. But even as their fine words overflow, the fire of the five poisons is all the time burning inside them. Anyone who is going to truly teach others must first have a thorough grounding in the teachings. The steady flame of a stout wick can light a hundred butter lamps, but the tenuous flame of a wick that is too thin cannot even keep itself alight. You may have received numerous instructions and know, in theory, how to progress and avoid obstacles. Nevertheless, if you do not apply these to yourself, your knowledge will remain sterile, like the wealth of a rich miser who deprives himself of food and starves to death. If you sincerely want to progress, open your eyes to your own defects. It is your own mind that you must examine, as if in a mirror. To maintain a conceited opinion of yourself, seeing defects only in others and regarding your own flaws as good qualities, will certainly prevent you from making any progress. According to the Kadampa masters, the best teachings expose our hidden faults. To unmask a hitherto unsuspected thief effectively puts an end to his doings. Know how to recognize your predominant defects-desire, anger, jealousy, and stupidity. Remain aware of them and be ready to neutralize them whenever they appear. Keep track of your emotions, like a king who fears his enemies and surrounds himself day and night with vigilant guards." - Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche