Selfless vs. Selfish

Inspired by a quote from the great Dalai Lama - "It’s very important not to misunderstand what is meant by the idea of overcoming our self-cherishing attitudes. We are not saying that a spiritual practitioner should completely ignore or abandon the goal of self-fulfillment, rather we are advising him or her to overcome that small-minded selfishness that makes us oblivious to the wellbeing of others and to the impact our actions can have on them."

If you have ever read translations of some ancient scripture or book on spirituality - they talk about being selfless and possibly show a picture of a Swami living in a small tent, and wrapped in cloth. And, you immediately think to become more spiritual is to give up everything and live off the love and compassion of mother earth.

Well, that may be true -- that maybe the right path for some of us. But, there is a possibility that you do not have to give up everything, there is a slight chance that you will still be able to enjoy your life with some of your comforts. This selfless path is to enjoy those comforts in a modest way, instead of succumbing to the selfish path of having having more makes me better, or having the best and newest material possessions makes me more powerful.

So, we can still enjoy our clean home and comfortable bed - but, to enjoy it modestly and know that "having more, or having the best" is not important -- is that I could live without any of that if that time came to give it up. What is the most important part of developing and nurturing your spiritual growth is to live a life without being selfish.

Now, ask yourself the question - how can I be less selfish?

Practicing "The Yamas" (the way of "right living" or ethical rules) will assist us in living a selfless life :

• Non-violence (abhimsa) - this covers not only physical violence, but also mental and emotional violence. Clear your mind of negative thoughts to yourself and others. Instead, of hoping someone to not succeed in their job, rather wish them well.
• Non-stealing (astray) - covers many areas, applied to our modern day lives think of things such as time, objects, energy, etc. So, don't be late when meeting a friend for coffee or don't take the extra 5 minutes break at work.
• Moderation (bramacharya) - anything we do in life should be done in moderation. Do you over-work, how much time do you spend with your family? Do you over-exercise? Over-indulge in food or drink? Find the right balance in your life.
• Non-Possessiveness or Non-attachment (aparagraha) - how attached are you to your possessions? Or, how attached are you to the idea of being the most powerful person in your business arena? If you are able to let go of your possessions or of an idea, it will open up more room within your life and your heart for new experiences - maybe, that experience is living a life free of stress and worry, being more peaceful within.

I have only presented 4 of "The Yamas" - as, Swami Sri Kripalvanandaji said: "Practice the yamas and niyamas ... When you pick one petal from the garland of yamas and niyamas the entire garland will follow."

Live your life selflessly.

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Namasté