A core part of the Buddhist moral code is what is called "selflessness." According to the Pali texts, which are the oldest teachings of Buddhism, the ideal follower of Buddha's teachings is one who practices what is right and teaches others to do the same. Altruism is the moral discipline and the basic principle of compassion for others, leading to a quality of living both spiritual and material. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is Buddhahood, which is the attainment of Nirvana, the divine state of nibbling blissful sense at the end of this earthly existence. Buddhism describes those who reach Nirvana as having completely transcended this world and becoming one with the Tao, the ultimate generator of all being. Buddhism celebrates the present moment as it is here, with all its beauty and none of its stains.
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A related idea of what true selflessness means is that to help others means to help yourself. True selflessness is not selfishness but a sense of obligation to your fellow beings. It's about helping them because you have a love for them, and not out of some desire to gain something for yourself. True selflessness doesn't mean selfishness but commitment to your fellow being. The Buddha said, "monks who give up all their desires to follow the Noble Eightfold path cannot find true selflessness."
The practice of practicing the noble eightfold path, which includes letting go of our attachment to others and ourselves, empowers us. There are many benefits to making a decision to practice selflessness. If we can make a decision to practice selflessness even for a day in a year, it's like we're making a big step forward in improving our condition.
Practicing selflessness does not mean that we give away our own happiness. While it's true that to be free of attachments to anyone and everyone, we have to detach from our own happiness and sense of happiness for another person or even for ourselves. Practicing selflessness does not mean being stingy with others or being miserly. On the contrary, to practice selflessness is to embrace happiness is to embrace the happiness of another person and another nature.
Being a selfless person helps us in several ways. First, it helps to improve our relationships. When we practice selflessness in our relationships, we become more reliable because we give without expecting anything in return. When we are kind to others, we become trustworthy and people are more likely to want to spend time with us. Being kind and giving is a great way to get along with others.
Second, it also has spiritual benefits. People who practice the noble art of kindness live in a state of harmony and balance. Our ability to appreciate other's happiness makes us more compassionate. And practicing selflessness makes us happier because we are more able to love and accept the happiness of others. It gives us an insight into the true meaning of happiness and love.
Third, it increases our creativity. When we practice generosity, we come up with more ideas that we can put to good use. We tend to think more creatively when we are surrounded by people who are kind and generous with their time, money and energy. And, as we practice selflessness, we are more appreciative of the things that others have. This also leads us to greater levels of productivity, because we can focus more on the creative things that we are able to do. In the workplace, being a selfless person can lead to greater levels of creativity because when people compliment you and your work, you become more excited about your life and the things that are happening around you.
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The fourth benefit of practicing the noble selfless act is that it helps to promote healing within our own minds. When we practice kindness and generosity, we often find that we have increased self-esteem. Self-esteem is the ability to recognize your own gifts and talents and to accept and respect the gifts and talents of others. It has been noted that many people who go about practicing the noble selfless act, also have high self-confidence and positive qualities that contribute to healing in their lives.
