Altruism: . 1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others or devoted to the welfare of others; selflessness.
Is it possible to be actually "selfless"?
The Tao says this: "Perfect kindness acts without thinking of kindness."
Jesus says this: "Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."
Janis sings this: "It ain't nothin' if it ain't free, babe."
What is sacrifice without the small or large sting of sacrifice? For it not to be a sacrifice on any level is to be selfless. Can it be done? If so, how could a person come to this state of being? Or is it better called as a state of non-being?
Do you agree with this statement from Psychology Today:
"Altruistic acts are self-interested, if not because they relieve anxiety, then perhaps because they lead to pleasant feelings of pride and satisfaction; the expectation of honor or reciprocation; or the greater likelihood of a place in heaven; and even if neither of the above, then at least because they relieve unpleasant feelings such as the guilt or shame of not having acted at all."
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201203/does-true-altruism-existBuddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity all assert that achieving a state of actual "selflessness" is not only possible but our one purpose in life. Mystics of every faith believe in and are dedicated to this end. For them it is called "at-one-ment": total union with the Supreme Being.
Here is where this spiritual state of At-one-ment ismentioned in Scripture: (Jn14:20, 15:4-7, 17:26; Rom8:9-10; 1Cor6:17; 2Cor1:21, 5:17, 21; Eph4:13; Col1:27, 3:3; 1Jn2:24, 4:16).
When Jesus said "Love you neighbor as yourself" this was to be taken as literally true: your neighbor is yourself, and so is your enemy. To feed the hungry is not charity, just as fixing oneself a nice breakfast is not charity. We are not giving anything, there is no sacrifice: it is simply what we do out of self-care.
What do you think?
Altruism: . 1. Unselfish concern for the welfare o... (