Selfishness and Selflessness: Teachings from Master Xuanzang

Selfishness and selflessness encompass nearly every aspect of our hearts and actions, both within the secular world and the path of the Dharma. These are not merely abstract concepts; they are two distinct sets of beliefs and behaviours that shape the very essence of our humanity and dictate the course of our future.

The Trap of Self-Interest

There is a common saying that is not unfamiliar to many: "If one is not for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy one." This phrase is widely circulated throughout the world and is deeply ingrained in the minds of many people. It serves as a guiding philosophy for how some individuals navigate their lives. However, such intense language clearly expresses a mindset rooted in selfishness. If a practitioner were to adopt this philosophy in their spiritual practice, they would surely face total failure. Not only would they achieve nothing, but they would also accumulate boundless negative karma, leading them further away from the path of liberation.

The purpose of learning the Buddha’s teachings is to escape the six realms of rebirth, rediscover our true self, attain Buddhahood, and save beings so that they may leave suffering behind and find rebirth in the Western Pure Land. To achieve this, one must practise no-self and selflessness. One must work to benefit the masses and engage in broad acts of giving. If there is still a sense of "self," then there is still attachment. This "self" is the headquarters of confusion. As long as the ego remains, there will be endless afflictions, worries, suffering, and confusion. Consequently, the cycle of rebirth will continue without end.

The Habit of Self-Protection

Accompanying selfishness is the desire for self-benefit. Selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain are the greatest obstacles to one’s practice. When one acts to harm or diminish the interests of others for the sake of one’s own benefit, it causes immense damage to one’s spiritual progress. This is something that every practitioner must be vigilant about and avoid at all costs. In contemporary society, many practitioners, whether consciously or unconsciously, exhibit these tendencies to varying degrees. Without sufficient awareness, they fail to recognise these habits, which eventually crystallise into negative karma and lead to the bitter fruits of suffering.

The longer one spends in society and the more extensive one’s work experience becomes, the more one tends to reveal habits of selfishness and self-protection, often without even realising it. Because we become accustomed to these ways of operating, we mistakenly believe that such behaviour is necessary to survive and stand firm in society without being threatened. We become so used to it that we no longer perceive anything wrong with it. This is a systemic issue within our entire social structure. If one has not encountered the Buddha’s teachings and the guidance of a true spiritual friend, one cannot discover this problem, nor would one even consider it a problem at all.

The Lotus in the Mud

Living within such a polluted environment, it is incredibly difficult to maintain a sharp awareness and a clear mind. It is much like a creature living in the mud; it is often covered in filth itself but does not feel out of place because it is the same as everyone else. However, consider the lotus: it grows in the mud yet remains unstained, appearing pure, elegant, and standing out uniquely amidst the mire. This is the true conduct of a practitioner. Therefore, the lotus is often used to symbolise the behaviour that a practitioner should maintain while living in the Five Turbidities and Evil World. Practitioners must recognise this reality, maintain their rationality, and remain awake while others sleep. Do not drift along with the current or become tainted by the surrounding impurity.

If there is even the slightest trace of a personal stance, a personal thought, or anything related to "me"—anything that serves to benefit oneself or one’s family but has nothing to do with practice or serving the masses—that is selfishness. Consider two scenarios: one person spends a large sum of money on luxury and non-vegetarian food to entertain guests, while another uses that same money to provide charity to the poor and chooses to eat a vegetarian diet. In this case, everyone should know which one is driven by selfish desires and which one is acting selflessly to benefit the masses.

The Fruits of Practice

The result of selfishness is continued reincarnation in the six realms of existence, whereas the result of selflessness is the accumulation of merit and virtue, leading to the realisation of one’s true nature and the attainment of Buddhahood. We often hear that "to suffer a loss is to gain an advantage," that "there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world," and that one must be "down-to-earth, step by step." This is precisely where the work of practice lies. These are also the constant reminders that Practitioner Su gives to all his students. Do not hold onto a mindset of taking chances, forgiving your own faults, or just getting by. Such an attitude will cause you to lose the great benefits of purification. To transform the body, mind, and spirit from a state of rebirth into an awakened being, and to transition from secular, selfish habits into a state of selflessness and no-self, one must apply compassion, wisdom, and a vast mind-capacity. This requires deep and diligent effort.

This message was recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo