Re: Balance between selflessness and selfishness?

On Feb 11, 11:08 am, Richard Corfield <Richard.Corfi...@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
On 2007-02-10, buddhapest <pestaroo...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:



you seem to imply that there is
a midway point between selfless
and selfish.

Yes, on the basis that decisions are taken on the basis of multiple
conditions. Or is that another distinction in Buddhism, the difference
between impulsive decision making and making a decision based on
weighing up multiple inputs even if that decision is to act for yourself
or primarily for yourself? The results are not so clear cut either.


I think this is where mindfulness comes in. If you are mindful of all
your actions, as in you are constantly questioning the motives for
even the smallest things you do during the day, then it can become
almost natural to be selfless, yet not end up dying of starvation in
the streets, so to speak.

I think it's easier once you realise that you can't change the world
overnight, and that you are allowed to have fun and be happy in the
process of being selfless. I guess it is a fine line to tread, as you
can easily kid yourself into procrastination and such. But the more
mindful you are, the less of a problem that should be.

.