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Selfishness vs. Selflessness: A Sacred Reflection for the Soul

H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji
Sep 4
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Introduction

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven world, we often glorify personal gain, independence, and self-prioritization. But deep within every heart echoes a question: “Is there more to life than just serving the self?” The dichotomy between selfishness and selflessness isn't merely a matter of morality — it is a profound invitation to reflect on the very purpose of our human existence.

Drawing from timeless wisdom and the spiritual lens of Sanātan Dharma, let us journey together into this exploration — not to judge, but to awaken the higher self within.

Selfishness: The Illusion of Fulfillment

Selfishness arises when the soul, forgetting its divine nature, identifies with the body and mind. The moment we believe that “I am this body,” the pursuit of personal gain at the cost of others becomes natural.But this identification leads to what the Upanishads call avidyā — ignorance. Just as a thirsty man in a desert chases a mirage, a selfish person seeks lasting happiness in fleeting pleasures.

Upanishadic Insight:

“Asato mā sad gamaya, tamaso mā jyotir gamaya, mṛtyor mā amṛtaṁ gamaya.”

(Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad 1.3.28)

“Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.”

Selfishness, though appearing to give immediate benefits, deepens the illusion of separation and perpetuates suffering.

Selflessness: The Soul’s True Nature

Selflessness is about expanding the definition of the self — from the individual to the collective, from the body to the spirit.

A selfless person operates from the heart — the center of divine consciousness. In every act of giving, the soul experiences its innate bliss. In every sacrifice, the ego diminishes, and the true Self shines forth.

Upanishadic Insight:

“ātmanastu kāmāya sarvaṁ priyaṁ bhavati”

(Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad 2.4.5)

“It is for the sake of the Self that everything becomes dear.”

True selflessness is not self-denial but soul-realization.

Self-Reflection: Are You Operating from Ego or Essence?

Let’s take a moment to pause and ask ourselves:

Do I help others only when it benefits me?
Do I feel superior after an act of giving?
Do I expect recognition for my generosity?
Do I feel drained or resentful after being ‘selfless’?

Honest answers reveal whether we are truly selfless or unknowingly using others to affirm our ego. Genuine selflessness brings joy, not exhaustion.

5 Transformative Shifts from Selfishness to Selflessness

From Accumulation to Contribution: Instead of asking, “What can I get?”, ask, “What can I give today?”

From Ego to Empathy: Listen not just with ears but with compassion. Make space for others’ experiences.

From Transaction to Trust: Give without expectations. The universe works in unseen, miraculous ways.

From Isolation to Interconnection: Realize: we are not separate entities. We are threads in the divine fabric of life.

From Fear to Fulfillment: Selfishness stems from fear of lack. Selflessness flows from inner abundance.

Conclusion: A Gentle Call to the Heart

The path from selfishness to selflessness is a daily practice. It begins with awareness, is nurtured through intention, and blossoms in action. Each time you choose to give over grab, you water the seed of your own divinity.

Let us remember that our life is not merely for personal survival, but for universal service — a sacred opportunity to be instruments of compassion in a world that yearns for it.

Final Upanishadic Thought:

“yasya nāhamkṛto bhāvo buddhiryasya na lipyate, hatvāpi sa imānlokān na hanti na nibadhyate”

(Bhagavad Gītā 18.17)

“He who is free from ego and whose intellect is not tainted, though he slays these people, he slays not, nor is he bound.”

Selflessness is the highest way to live in the world, with love as our guide and the soul as our compass.