Self-absorption or self-sacrifice? 

Another way of putting it – serving self only, versus serving others?

If we are self-absorbed, do we recognize it?

Self-absorption is only concerned with self, and the importance of self.

If we are self-sacrificing, do we recognize it?

Self-sacrificing probably is other person-centred, and doesn’t ‘blow its own trumpet’.

Most people chose ‘Both’. That seems realistic. A bit like in a plane. The cabin crew advise us to first put the oxygen mask on ourselves, then on our accompanying child.

Jesus was amazingly different. His actions  showed no self-absorption, but rather self-sacrificing. Ultimately, at great personal cost, he willingly gave his life for us. Three days later, showing the truth of his predictions, he came back to life again.

“… I have not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)(http://www.laridian.com)

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Buddha’s main thesis? 

“We can eliminate suffering when we cease to desire.”   

From my reading over the years, that seems to encapsulate it. 

Certainly there are other major themes for all Buddhists, be they eastern or western/eclectic Buddhists.

However, does that theme seem to be a self-defeating argument – the desire to put down all one’s desires?

The eclectic western Buddhists in the market last Saturday disagreed with the original statement. 

I think that many of our desires are good God-given desires. If we run with those desires in the right context, then we can be quite happy. 

If my desires conflict with that, then it would be better to put them down…

That is especially if we want to please God, and do the right thing by our neighbor. 

Your thoughts? 

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