What do you get out of being selfless?

Question

So you were doing it for you and someone else was just the vehicle?

Answer 1

This is an excellent question. I frequently see people give a dollar to a so-called "homeless" person. I think that, in most cases, the person giving the dollar is doing so, because it makes him (or her) feel good about himself. Giving the dollar to the homeless person probably won't help that person do anything more than buy another bottled of booze, or whatever.

I sometimes perform little acts of kindness upon unknowing friends or coworkers, and I like to think I'm doing it because I'm a good person. But I'm not even sure that's my real motivation. Maybe I just want to feel good about myself...?

Answer 2

what you get out of being selfless is up to you, to use someone as a vehicle for recognition as a selfless person is not the way to be selfless, in fact if you do that you are just the opposite. To be a truelly good selfless person, you must do good deeds whilst not believing in god or heaven, not expecting anything at all in return, only then can you truelly be called selfless.

Answer 3

Its extremely difficult, if not impossible. Even acts that seem to be "selfless" have hidden benefits that people aren't quick to see.

For example, you have a belief that its moral to give homeless people spare change when you encounter them on the street. Even though this may seem selfless, the result you get from giving the person your spare change is fulfilling your moral imperative. You feel good about yourself because you followed through with your belief. Feeling good entails happiness. So, as you can see, its very hard, if not impossible, to perform a "selfless" act.

Answer 4

If you are hoping to get you are still not selfless. Remain selfish and when you see the futility of selfishness, selflessness comes of itself.

Selflessness is not something you go after, because you go only after that out of which you can get something. Now there is indeed that which comes out of being selfless, but it is not attained by being selfish in wanting selflessness in order to attain it.

Answer 5

There is no such thing as being selfless!

We do everything for ourselves, to better or to worsen, we always think of ourselves first, even if its in the negative light. Self hate is not even selfless.

Answer 6

You think it is selfish, this charitable giving away of goods and money?
I can see it now, the people who line up the roads waiting for the traffic to stop for a red light, who are carrying signs that say:

"Any help appreciated"
"Jobless veteran"
"Homeless and broke"

They will replace it the signs with;

"Feel good now, Give me money"
"A dollar for me gives you joy"

Answer 7

Or you were doing it for someone else and what you got was just a perk.

It all depends on your point of view.

Answer 8

ATMAN. Unity with universal self. You're following your dharma, and helping someone else deal with their karma. Good energy all around.

Answer 9

you get tired! doing stuff for others makes me feel good. BUT beware when you do it to run away from feelings.

Answer 10

Nothing concrete usually, nice guys finish last.

Dont give me a thumbs down jerks, you know its true.