Significance of Self-interest
Self-interest is a complex concept that varies across different philosophical and religious traditions. In Buddhism and Jainism, it highlights the negative impact of selfish desires on altruistic actions. Conversely, texts like Arthashastra and Vaishnavism emphasize individual motivations that prioritize personal gain, often at the expense of collective well-being. Similarly, in Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada, self-interest is seen as a hindrance to true compassion and friendship. Overall, self-interest can detract from higher spiritual goals and ethical considerations, leading individuals to prioritize personal desires over communal or altruistic efforts.
Synonyms: Selfishness, Self-serving, Egoism, Self-centeredness, Personal gain, Self-absorption, Egotism, Self-preservation, Self-seeking, Self-absorption.
In Dutch: Eigenbelang; In Finnish: Oma etu; In Spanish: Inter茅s propio; In German: Eigennutz; In Swedish: Egenintresse; In Malay: Kepentingan diri sendiri; In French: Int茅r锚t personnel
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Self-interest'
In Buddhism, self-interest is seen as a limitation, focusing on personal gain rather than altruism. It can obscure true connections and is contrasted with the Buddha's compassionate actions, serving as a caution against selfish motivations.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A motive absent in the actions of the Buddha Shakyamuni when healing others, who acted out of compassion instead.[1]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The focus on personal gain, which the Bodhisattva seeks to transcend in favor of altruism.[2]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) A detrimental focus on personal gain as opposed to the collective good, which the wise transcend.[3]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to individuals motivated solely by their own gain, disregarding the well-being of others, a warning to avoid such people.[4]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Self-interest is identified as a defilement of the mind that can obscure true friendship.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The consideration of one's own welfare or advantage; highlighted as a legitimate focus if one is unable to help others.[6]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The selfish desire that often taints one's charitable actions.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Self-interest'
In Hinduism, "Self-interest" encompasses motivations driven by personal gain, influencing relationships, actions, and ethical dilemmas. It contrasts with altruism, and spiritual growth requires overcoming such desires to achieve true devotion and understanding.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The pursuit of personal gain or benefit, as distinct from acting for the benefit of others.[8] (2) The personal motivations or desires that lead individuals to seek material gains and benefits for themselves.[9] (3) The act of prioritizing personal gain or reputation over true devotion or service to the divine.[10] (4) A reference to personal desires that may lead one to stray from true spiritual understanding and goals.[11] (5) An approach where individuals prioritize their own immediate pleasures and desires, often at the expense of higher spiritual truth.[12]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The personal motivations and desires that initially drive sakama devotees before their transformation into bhakti.[13] (2) Indicates that Shri Krishna's actions were also motivated by personal needs, which led him to tolerate miseries for a greater purpose.[14] (3) Personal desires or motives that detract from the purity of devotion, not present in the true form of shuddha-bhakti.[15]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Self-interest refers to motivations driven by personal gain rather than altruistic or divine considerations, often set aside by liberated beings.[16] (2) The detrimental tendency of individuals to prioritize personal gain over collective mission efforts.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The personal motivations that can lead officers to act unjustly, which is detrimental to a kingdom.[18] (2) Actions motivated by personal gain, particularly at the cost of loyalty or agreement to the king's interests.[19] (3) The principle that actions are often motivated by personal gain rather than altruism; a key motivator in relationships between friends and foes.[20]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The notion that characters like the hag and the cat acted for personal gain, contrasted with the mother's genuine affection.[21] (2) The concern for one's own welfare and that of one's children, which drives the deer to seek safety for its young.[22]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A concept referring to motivations driven by personal gain, which contrasts with the pure intentions of wise words.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The focus on one's own benefits, often to the detriment of ethical or moral considerations.[24]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The pursuit of one's own happiness, which can conflict with the happiness of others.[25]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A concept reflecting the need for intelligent individuals to prioritize their own advantages and outcomes.[26]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The personal desires and interests that Nala considers while navigating the obligations set by the gods and his love for Damayanti.[27]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The tendency of individuals or allies to prioritize their own benefits, which can lead to changes in loyalty after achieving success.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A focus on one's own benefit or gain, which often leads to ethical dilemmas and moral questioning in the text.[29]
Jain concept of 'Self-interest'
In Jainism, self-interest denotes a lack of selfishness, particularly in Uttarakurus, where beings embody a community-focused and altruistic worldview, prioritizing collective well-being over individual desires.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A quality from which the beings in Uttarakurus are free, implying a community-oriented or altruistic perspective of existence.[30]
The concept of Self-interest in local and regional sources
Self-interest involves prioritizing personal welfare over communal responsibilities, influencing international relations and political actions. It contrasts with altruism and can distort moral perceptions, as seen in narratives regarding Pakistan and Kashmir.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is the pursuit of one's own advantage, which, when allowed to dominate the mind, can lead to a distorted perception of what is right and wrong.[31] (2) A state of being where individuals act without selfish motives, as demonstrated by the Gopis.[32] (3) The personal gain or interest of individuals, which can be a significant element in political actions and societal dynamics.[33] (4) A tendency to prioritize personal gains over moral and communal responsibilities, which can derail one鈥檚 sense of duty.[34] (5) The concern for one's own advantage or welfare, which often influences the actions of nations in international affairs.[35]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Self-interest is the idea that most people's actions are the expression of, as mentioned by the Swami in one of the conversations.[36]