Have you ever stood between two mirrors, and seen the endless reflections of yourself disappearing into infinity?
The problem is when we are happy with our self-reflection, and we speak as one who knows, one who's view is as equal to anyone else's.
The solution is when we accept we are trapped in the endless reflections, even if we don't fully understand that, and we seek a way to break the trap in any way possible. Not a position of "I know all about that and this is my fabulous opinion."; instead a position of "I accept I'm a prisoner of my own self-image, and I'm ready to try anything to escape - for God's sake, what can I possibly do?"
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. "
That comes from scriptures, and while I take much with a grain of salt, that scripture is wise. And most interpret the glass as being a mirror. One of the most difficult tasks of the path is to be able to see one'sself honestly. Few have done it. But I would not say only a handful have done it. I did get to Bruce Lee's grave recently, and I believe he did it.
I think its not so simple Michael, that all speak from self-reflection purely. One thing we do have on our side here is awareness. And on this particular path, there are techniques where you can fine-hone your awareness, so you are not as susceptible to the influence of the self-reflection. Now I do think it is better when with another because we do project, and can spot our projections with another human being. But like the quote all the books boil down to don Juan attacking Carlos's self-reflection. This is so key, the main 'goal' of the warrior to do, because it can be so jaded, so convoluted, so full of garbage and fluff that it can cut them off from spirit, from the infinite, but really can affect them from leading an impeccable life.
I know some have ventured here, had their SR's attacked and didnt like it. Thus why the place is so small now, rather quiet, with many perhaps peering into read and would rather be spectators. But nonethless, this is not the only path which offers dealing with the dark glass, and there does seem to be a movement of folks who are working very hard at trying to face the ego trouble head on. So what Im saying is, we do not speak from self-reflection all of the time. We can kind of release ourself from the gaze, perhaps temporarily, we are not as bad as narcissus staring into the pool. We can gain awareness from within and from without, and meet the mirror head on. Now shattering it is more difficult. This part is not easy. And it even is a little scary. But to me, it is important to first master the false and understand it, in all its dark characteristics. Then shattering the mirror is much more easier. It is the task at hand. It is noble. However in reading you, you make it sound impossible. However, perhaps I am more trusting in Spirit, that spirit will put us in the right places, in the right positions, so we can see more clearly in the mirror. Course, this can be an enemy, clarity, but it can be balanced appropriately if the warrior has the right intent.
So we see through a glass darkly. But I dont see anything as totally impossible either. This mirror can - and must - be shattered. And it takes a warrior's spirit to do it.