Theos-Talk Archives (January 1998 Message tt00340)

At 07:18 PM 1/24/1998 -0800, you wrote:
>Ramadoss:
>
>Your comments give me an opportunity to discuss
>an point that I find of considerable importance.
>
>>When you see a starving child
>>one would not be even aware of
>>one's hunger. You first feed
>>the child then see what you can
>>do to take care of your hunger.
>
>I'd say that in this situation you'd be as acutely
>aware of the child's hunger as your own, and would
>act totally without selfishness. Your action,
>though, would be based on common sense and for the
>greatest common good.
>
>On an airplane, in the event the plane loses air
>pressure, air masks drop from overhead. Passengers
>are told to first put on their air masks, then to
>tend to the children. This is because if they lose
>conscious they're of no good to anyone and the
>child is in a pretty bad situation.
>
>Another example is of the gallantry of old, where a
>young man might dramatically throw his overcoat into
>the mud on the street, in order that a fair lady not
>have to step through the mud. It's certainly a nice
>gesture, but can in many real-life situations defy
>common sense.
>
>The idea that it's always best to do something for
>others first is good -- as an exercise in self-forgetfulness,
>but is impractical if not applied with a good dose of
>common sense. The real ethic or virtue here, I think,
>is the seeing things from a selfless point of view, from
>a point of view where "what's in it for me" doesn't bias
>our decisions and actions. We work for the overall common
>good, not for our own bottom line. Sometimes that means
>doing good for someone else, without any thought of personal
>gain. Other times, it's just as valid, when appropriate,
>to do something that benefits ourselves.
>
>We cannot come to a fair, balanced view of life as long
>as selfishness clouds our minds and hearts. When it lifts,
>and we see clearly, we become agents for the betterment of
>humanity, concerned for the good of all. That means that
>we don't let ourselves be taken advantage of, nor squander
>our resources in token charity. We manage our resources
>skillfully, giving generously but wisely. We're not acting
>according to any predefined rule, however noble-sounding,
>like "always do first for others," but rather act out of
>a Zen-like immediacy in response to situations before us
>in life.
>
>This may be what you're saying, in different words. I
>just like the opportunity myself to give voice to the
>same ideal, that of selfless, pure, compassionate action.
>
>-- Eldon
>
I would go one step further. An analogy is the case of a person trying to
help a drowning victim. We have seen many cases where the rescuer has
jumped into the water not logically thinking about the consequences and in
many cases they have been swept away. It is instantaneous action with no
concern for personal safety. That is real sacrifice.

Ramadoss