Why is Partner Training so Important?

This is a simple question with a not-so-simple answer.

First, to progress on this path, "Brutal Self-Honesty" is required. Partner training helps you avoid devusion and lets you see clearly... You may 'believe' that your skill level is improving, but you won't really 'know' until you touch another person.

More importantly, when you train with others who are working the same principles and curriculum as you are, improvement occurs much faster than when practicing solo. It is said that 'A Rising Tide Lift All Boats'. Without partner training, you cannot progress beyond a superficial understanding.

It is also said that 'Consistency = Knowledge' and that 'Understanding comes from Doing'. Understanding the Internal takes 4 hands.

The rule of thumb is 80/20. For every 80 minutes of solo practice you want to get a minimum of 20 minutes partner practice.

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Kalama Sutta (Kalama Sutra)

Do not simply believe what you hear just because you have heard it for a long time.
Do no follow tradition blindly merely because it has been practiced that way for many generations.
Do not be quick to listen to rumors.
Do not confirm anything just because it agrees with your scriptures.
Do not foolishly make assumptions.
Do not abruptly draw conclusions by what you see and hear.
Do not be fooled by outward appearances.
Do not hold on tightly to any view or idea just because you are comfortable with it.
Do not accept as fact anything that you yourself find to be illogical.
Do not be convinced of anything out of respect and deference to your spiritual teachers.

You should go beyond opinion and belief. You can rightly reject anything which when accepted, practiced and perfected leads to more aversion, more craving and more delusion. They are not beneficial and are to be avoided. Conversely, you can rightly accept anything which when accepted and practiced leads to unconditional love, contentment and wisdom. These things allow you time and space to develop a happy and peaceful mind. This should be your criteria on what is and what is not the truth; on what should be and what should not be the spiritual practice.