Altruism

HariLakhera · Aug 11, 2019

Altruism - feeling compassion for others

This subject is a complex one. Why would one spend his hard-earned money and precious time with children of lesser Gods- the poor, helpless kids?

Our actions have motives. We want a good education because it will provide a good job which in turn helps in finding a good spouse and that will lead to a good life. Each of our actions leads us to something of which we crave.

Similarly, we are good to people because we think it will us some praise or recognition from others or it will give us some pleasure. Our altruism, our compassion, sympathy, our feelings are guided by some ulterior motive

Is it possible to separate motives from actions? This will mean being good for the sake of being good or doing right because it is right to do the right things.

Gita espouses the maxim of doing your duty without attachment to results. You have to do good and right things. It is your dharma.

Gita as I see it does not say not to enjoy the positive results of your actions. A good education leads to a good job to a good spouse to a good life, so enjoy.

In other words, if altruism gives you praise and recognition, devour it. It is fine as long as you did not desire it. If moral behavior is founded on the premise that it is the right thing to do and not because it will fetch some praise and recognition or it will be counted by Chitragupta while allotting a seat in heaven, then it is all fine. But if your altruism is guided by some selfish motive then you are not doing it for any moralistic reason.it applies to be honest, truthful, upright and God-fearing.

In conclusion, I think being altruistic is good in any which way because it gives much-needed solace to the recipient, whatever may be the motive.

jayasala42 · Aug 11, 2019

A thought provoking message.A desire to get name is ingrained in every human being.Though not impossible, while helping others ,there will be at least 5% of expectation, though unexpressed, to get recognition for the good deeds.Even karma -phala may get attached to such actions, it is good to be altruistic as it benefits others.
jayasala42

satchitananda · Aug 11, 2019

Even if we do not expect praise or recognition, we still do good deeds in order to feel good about ourselves, to feel the joy of seeing somebody else happy. So yes, no matter what, the reward is inbuilt, so to say.

shyamala1234 · Aug 11, 2019

HariLakhera said: ↑

Altruism - feeling compassion for others

This subject is a complex one. Why would one spend his hard-earned money and precious time with children of lesser Gods- the poor, helpless kids?

Our actions have motives. We want a good education because it will provide a good job which in turn helps in finding a good spouse and that will lead to a good life. Each of our actions leads us to something of which we crave.

Similarly, we are good to people because we think it will us some praise or recognition from others or it will give us some pleasure. Our altruism, our compassion, sympathy, our feelings are guided by some ulterior motive

Is it possible to separate motives from actions? This will mean being good for the sake of being good or doing right because it is right to do the right things.

Gita espouses the maxim of doing your duty without attachment to results. You have to do good and right things. It is your dharma.

Gita as I see it does not say not to enjoy the positive results of your actions. A good education leads to a good job to a good spouse to a good life, so enjoy.

In other words, if altruism gives you praise and recognition, devour it. It is fine as long as you did not desire it. If moral behavior is founded on the premise that it is the right thing to do and not because it will fetch some praise and recognition or it will be counted by Chitragupta while allotting a seat in heaven, then it is all fine. But if your altruism is guided by some selfish motive then you are not doing it for any moralistic reason.it applies to be honest, truthful, upright and God-fearing.

In conclusion, I think being altruistic is good in any which way because it gives much-needed solace to the recipient, whatever may be the motive.
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Dear Hariji,
Altruism....whatever may be the motive it gives happiness to both giver and taker. That is enough I guess. A giver wants a pat on the back and taker....it helps him/her. We play both roles....some places and at some places. Selfless altruism is good....even otherwise is good. World would be a better place.
Syamala

Viswamitra · Aug 11, 2019

Dear Hari Sir,

Selfless service to the humanity has been initiated and taught by many teachers besides being a role model themselves. Simplicity, selfless service and the words of wisdom for right living are the hallmarks of a good spiritual teacher. As you rightly said, as long as the work is done without any expectation, what we get is the grace of the Lord and let us accept that with humility. Moreover, if the work is done with manobhava of the mission of the Lord, it helps removing the expectations and karma forever. That is my understanding of Bhagavad Gita teachings.