Post #12 - 4/28/09 Got Benefits?

Earlier this week I had to write an essay about whether or not people help others simply to help themselves, which is what I like to call "self-beneficial," without mutual benefits or gains. I'm sure you've seen some examples of people using other people to accomplish their own selfish goals, turning the other person into a used, meaningless bystander.

Did you know that this can actually be a 'good' thing? I bet you didn't.

"...In the practice of Dhamma, even if one specifically looks to the benefit of other beings, the results that are most assured are those that arise within oneself. Thus it is said that by helping oneself one helps others, and by helping others one helps oneself. "

That is what the Buddhists believe. They believe that this cultivates virtue. After reading the story in the link below, I may be starting to agree with them. The practice of Dhamma is co-productive in that its effects extend to all beings.

What do you think? Is it possible to do good for others by helping yourself? Can helping someone to achieve their goals help you to achieve your own? Feel free to share any thoughts.

Link to story and more info:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/9280/helping.htm