Author Topic: Selfishness  (Read 10757 times)

triesa

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Re: Selfishness
« Reply #15 on: November 05, 2010, 04:54:47 PM »
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just wondering!!!
if someone's motivation of being kind is to get recognition from the people around them, is this consider selfish?

Yes, I think that is selfishness, as the process of telling people that you are kind  is for a "SELF" motivated purpose.......RECOGNITION.

When we are serving the Guru, the dharma center ,or the sangha, if we have done a good job, we should not feel unappreciated when no one says "Thank You". Infact, when no one says "Thank You" and you are ok with it, and you keep on what you are doing without any recognition or praise,  you are coming close to selfessness, as the job is not about yourself, but about the Dharma purely.

Helena

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Re: Selfishness
« Reply #16 on: November 05, 2010, 05:58:38 PM »
just wondering!!!
if someone's motivation of being kind is to get recognition from the people around them, is this consider selfish?

Yes, I would agree with Triesa as well. It is self-serving to want to get something in return for doing a deed - be it being kind.

If one's motivation is self-serving, it cannot be altruistic anymore.

Then we are no longer being kind, but just practising the 8 Worldly Concerns - and that is to get praise.
Helena