Spiritual Inquiry . com

I think that what is best for others is also best for yourself. The reverse is also true. We often divide people along lines such as selfish and unselfish, good and evil. However, I think that the true dividing line should be one of wise and ignorant. It is only in ignorance that there is a difference between what is good for me and what is good for others. It is only in ignorance that we make this choice between being selfish and being unselfish. In a state of wisdom, the two are the same…the right action is clear and the benefits are for all.

Our first duty is to take care of ourselves. We must take the time to relax and to ensure that our lives are happy. We must be compassionate towards ourselves. If we do not do this, if we are too hard on ourselves, then we will inevitably look to others to fulfill our needs. This will only create pressures in our relationships. Thus, while being compassionate to oneself may seem selfish, it is actually intensely unselfish.

Let relationships be based on love, not on need. Help others, but help yourself too. Fulfill your own needs first. This is not self-indulgence, it is the opposite. The best way to be happy is to help others. But conversely, you cannot make others happy unless you are happy yourself. So while we should not neglect others, we should also not neglect ourselves, because in reality the two are inseparable.