Every single minute of every day, there are good deeds being done by thousands, if not millions, of people around the world. This is really good, and we must be grateful for that, but how much of this is done with selfless intention?
What indeed is selfless intention? Or perhaps on the flipside, what is it not? Let us look into it. This is because we have to understand first of all what we are not, before we can establish as to what we are.
By using the criterion – selfless intention is to act or do something without the thought or expectation of reward/recognition -, it would be interesting to see how charitable deeds, big or small, benevolence, altruism and generosity square up.
Big profile events – Sports Relief, Live Aid – are popular ways to raise money for people in need, and for raising awareness of such charitable causes. Many celebrities take part. They are keen to help as there is usually a significant impact on their public profile. If this, indeed, impacts on their decision to get involved, can this be selfless intention?
For those of us who donate money or take up charitable challenges to raise money, we are likely to be doing this to ‘help’ those less fortunate than ourselves. If we get a sense of feeling ‘good’ about donating to a worthy cause, then this too is not done selflessly. It cannot truly be selfless intention.
Evidence of good work and valuable support in the community, we can see all around us. This may be in the form of traffic islands sponsored by local companies, who provide plants and flowers to make them look beautiful. My own employer is currently offering support to ex-service people by providing free re-training to help them find employment. As a result of this, we have to sign a covenant to pledge our support for veterans, which allows us to use a special logo on our paperwork, website, and social media. This highlights the fact that we are helping ex-service personnel. This whole exercise is expected to have a positive impact on the business. Although it is a good thing to do, it is not done totally with selfless intention.
Doing charitable work, performing a good deed, or supporting someone is fine. But, if we then post it on social media for personal recognition, it cannot be selfless intention.
Given these scenarios, we could be forgiven for wondering if it is actually possible to act with selfless intention.
The answer is ‘yes’. It is all possible with the grace of the Satguru. It is the Satguru, who blesses us with the Divine Knowledge, and the asset of ‘selfless intention’. When we see Nirankar and realise that God is within and around us, we become more like God – God who is always selfless. This is why, following the Gyan experience, we really want to serve (do Seva). Doing Seva becomes the most natural thing to do, for someone filled with awe of Nirankar. We see Seva as a joy in itself, without seeking reward or recognition.
Without God knowledge (Gyan), there is always a subtle selfish motive. But with Gyan, selfishness disappears. Everything we say, think, and do, becomes an act of selfless intention. One of the Mission’s verses expresses this beautifully:
A tree never consumes its fruit; it is meant for the world
A river drinks not its water; it flows for the whole world
Avtar says, saints also come solely to redeem the world!
We see selflessness at work in its purest form when we see someone coming to the rescue of another by putting their own life at risk. This could be jumping into a river to save someone who is drowning; running into a burning building to rescue a child or animal; lifting a heavy weight off someone who is being crushed by a car or tree. Subsequent to the event, when we hear of the rescuers describing their act as instinctive, it is always heartening. The giving of no thought to their actions, and even feeling embarrassed by the recognition that follows, is a sure sign of selflessness. This is evidence of the divine spirit that is in all of us. It helps us to understand that we are one, and that we are here for the benefit of all. At this point, there is no ego in their actions.
But, as we know even after the Gyan, the ego comes back in subtle ways. We may find ourselves acting without selfless intent, while our mind turns to ‘helping’ others. This process may make us feel superior, as we are in a position to help. There may also be a subtle desire to be recognised, or approved of, through the act of seva. This is something we must always be on guard against, for such intentions change the act itself – it can no longer be called seva. Social media may have a strong hold on us, compelling us to post our seva activity. We should always be aware of our motivations, in this regard.
We must always live with Nirankar at the forefront of our lives. Nirankar must always be the reason we do everything. The reason we speak, think and act should all be with God and God-Consciousness in our mind. Our life must become a meditation on Nirankar, every moment of every day. If we find ourselves acting with ego, then we must acknowledge it and adjust our thinking accordingly.
But we should also be grateful for the good deeds that are done every minute of every day throughout the world. We should not make a judgement against those who may not be acting with selfless intent. This is because we know full well how subtle ego is, and lure of becoming famous. We should always have compassion and understanding for those who have not been blessed with the sight of God. To judge another in such a way, is also ego! When a celebrity uses their influence to draw attention to a good cause, perhaps they can achieve what less well-known individuals ever could, such that their involvement is to be appreciated. We just can’t call it a selfless act or seva, in its purest form.
The one selfless act we can all do is to share the message of Gyan. In so doing, we lead others to the opportunity of experiencing God. There is no benefit for us, but there is every benefit for humanity as a whole. This is God’s work, which is selfless.
May Satguru continue to bless us all. Indeed, may we all strive to act with selfless intent every day, and bring people to the Gyan. May Satguru bless us every day with humility and selfless intention. May we also seek forgiveness through Simran (our communication with Nirankar through prayer), when we fail.
– Maggie Fletcher, UK
