Zen and Selflessness
Selflessness is the act or thought of sacrificing the self for the benefit of something or someone else without any consideration for the self.One single, pure thought of true selflessness right here and now as you read this can be the spark in which you attain a moment of Zen.
Zen is clarity of mind, not to be confused with a euphoric sensation.
Selfless acts, or even thoughts, are a lot harder to create than you would imagine at first.
Even charitable actions have roots in selfish motives. Obviously charity is a lot less selfish than profiting at another's expense, but giving to charity to reduce a tax burden is a clear example of a good deed gone awry.
Think of something in which you would truly sacrifice yourself for.
In that thought, have no other thought of personal reward or gain.
Even the slightest intention of self-satisfaction or "good feeling" from doing something nice or selfless deep down still provides at least a slight feeling of self satisfaction or self worth that ultimately negates the purity of a selfless action.
Allow yourself to truly find and follow an idea in your mind in which you are truly willing to do something without any thought of yourself.
Perhaps in this exercise, the result or consequences resulting from such an act would result in a net loss to only you, either spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically, or any combination of those.
In this exercise, you will know when you have truly found a selfless thought inside of yourself, because the very thought of pure selflessness will bring a tear to each of your eyes, the right for joy and then a tear from the left eye for pain. When it happens, you will understand why.
This moment, when you find it, is the true essence of Zen. It the very reason for Zen.
It is not easy to find. Zen never is, but it is always right in front of you, waiting for you to focus clearly to perceive it.
How does it feel? Is Zen euphoric?
No, right? If anything, slightly sad, right?
That's good! Becoming aware in this world means realizing how much work there is to do if we are all to find peace among each other, and that can certainly be disheartening at first.
No duality intended; just good, because it's all good; always. Being good and being selfless are synonymous and indistinguishable.