Sha Philosophy – Chapter11: SELFISHNESS
Swaardh ( selfishness ) is inherent among every creature in this world. This selfishness is not only the inherent characteristic of the living things, but also the ambition of entire creation, if we visualize.
By keeping this creation in view, if we examine the “ selfishness “ of every creature, we can understand, every creature certainly shows its “ selfishness “ by trying to survive first. If we further focus on this subject called “ selfishness” , we can certainly understand , every worm, insect, animal, bird and other creatures like plants etc, until human beings yield to this “ selfishness” to lead their lives. All these creatures perform innumerable acts for their “self-interest”. Indeed there is annihilation of other life in those acts. To be precise, the worms, insects etc eat away the tender leaves and twigsof plants. When they know there is another creature, which kills them for its food, to continue to exist, they try to save their lives. However, the birds eat them away for their “ self-interest”. These birds are always alert to safeguard their lives due to their “ self-interest”. However, there are other creatures, which kill them.
In this way, if we examine every creature, we can visualize that there is “ selfishness” in every creature , but the development of “ selfishness” is complete in man. Indeed its full extent of development is apparent in his personality. The “ selfishness” of human beings appears in two ways:
. Selfishness, which is the attachment to worldly desires.
. Selfishness, which is associated with the ambition of attaining salvation through the path of Eeswara ( God ).
Selfishness, which is the attachment to worldly desires:
With this “ selfishness” man aspires to reach higher and higher positions from his present position. He strives to accomplish the prosperity and reputation for which he aspires. If it is not possible for him to attain the level of prosperity as per his ambition by means of hard work, he tries to accomplish it even by fraud . Owing to his “ selfishness “ , for the interest of his own children man works hard for their prosperity and reputation. In this way in every deed and affair man shows “ selfishness” . If we examine such “ selfishness” of man , it will b ecome apparent that, he can never be satisfied till he grabs the entire Universe !
The “ selfishness” associated with the ambition of attaining salvation through the path of Eeswara ( God ):
Indeed the desire or ambition associated with the aim of man to transcend this world by acquiring the Supreme Knowledge, before his present incarnation becomes waste (i.e. prior to his death ) and attain salvation to avoid rebirths is also “ selfishness” . Therefore owing to this “ selfishness” even this world that is in the form of creation ( cycle of births and death ) is also moving because of such an ambition associated with the same goal.
However, the ambition associated with the world ly desires leads the human soul to descend into quiescent births and make it reborn as inanimate beings . So, every soul, which takes human birth should,
. Lead life in such a manner that, he ( she ) should never be subjected to any criticism of others ( such as selfish, self centered and so on ) and at the same time his ( her ) existence should not jeopardize.
. Certainly observe “ selfishness” , associated with the accomplishment of the Supreme Knowledge originated from God to attain the Muktaswarupa ( Cosmic Form ), because the human birth won’t come again.
Therefore , the “ selfishness” in the ambition of attainment of such a perpetual ( immortal ) state through the cognizance of Supreme Knowledge, originated from God is indeed real “ selfishness”. This is essential. However, in this world people talk very much about “ Swardhathyaga ( to be unselfish or selfless )” as a standard for good personality . But none can be unselfish. Even doing a favour to others unselfishly is also for the self-interest. People do such favours to others with hope to receive their help in the future. Then their unselfishness will turn into selfishness!
The attainment of “Eeswaratva”(godhood) is accomplishment of Rasaswarupa ( Miraculous Brilliant Divine Light ). Every creature aspires to transform itself into the Rasaswarupa. This aspiration is indeed the germination of selfishness in that creature. Therefore , it is necessary to call this aspiration “ selfishness” . Indeed , this is devotion towards “ self “ or selfishness.
