How can we determine our own level of advancement?
We have to look into our own heart. If we see that we are exhibiting symptoms of anisthita-bhakti, we must continue our work on the stage of anartha-nivritti. What are the anarthas? Perhaps we are fault-finding, duplicitous, envious of others, or we desire to be worshiped. Or perhaps we are neglecting the instructions of scripture. By looking at our own heart, we should be able to see the truth of our situation. Even though we may not be able to clearly understand the higher level of nisthita-bhakti, if we want to advance in devotional practices, we have to at least recognize our own anarthas and decide that they should be removed. Otherwise, we are subject to the anartha called tattva-vibhrama (ignorance). That is, we are ignorant of the obstacles we must overcome to make advancement in spiritual life. Don’t waste time trying to figure out what is in anyone else’s heart; focus on your own
(LFD, Vol2, Being Careful to Avoid Anisthita-bhakti, Pg 55, last paragraph)