|
|
Post by friend on Nov 26, 2008 20:27:25 GMT -5
It seems so much of modern spirituality is enmeshed with the self-help mentality, I am looking for anyone who appreciates the role of service in the spiritual life, as opposed to a preoccupation with individual development only. Being that it seems to be rare, I welcome anyone from anywhere who has this inclination.
|
|
sophia
Full Member
...the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. ~Plato
Posts: 146
|
Post by sophia on Nov 26, 2008 21:42:39 GMT -5
Interesting, because most everyone I've met involved in helping themselves are also somehow involved in helping others in their own ways. What do you mean by "service"? From my own personal experiences, individual development is not as selfish as you're trying to make us feel it is, because when one begins to work on themselves it is only natural that part of self-improvement begins to include the well being of others. And, we are all One so naturally when one is improved, One is improved.
What are your thoughts on this?
P.S. If you are interested in answering my question we can start a discussion in the general discussion sub-forum.
|
|
|
|
Post by friend on Nov 26, 2008 22:23:43 GMT -5
No of course individual development doesn't have to be selfish, but the fact of the matter is when you are focused on one or the other you tend to get more of one or the other - it's really quite simple. Obviously everything we do has an impact on the whole, but intentional service vs. incidental influence is very different.
And I will also say sometimes it is quite appropriate for people to work on themselves if that is what is called for. I'm happy for you if your experience has been one where people are considerate in this way, but since I'm not pointing at anything other than a general trend which does exist to some extent, I don't know why you say I'm trying to make people feel a certain way. If that does not describe you and those you know why is it an issue?
Those are my thoughts, I don't really see much to discuss so that's why I didn't put it in the discussion forum. Also my intent was to find a friend, rather than discuss the topic which I think is self evident. It is simple pointing to a common side track. Actually, I think the way that we tend to consider this as about people shows that our sense of self is limited - if not to individuals and our immediate circle then to human beings in general, but of course that is not the whole story either.
|
|
|
|
Post by jonathan on Jan 10, 2009 14:29:06 GMT -5
My friend, I feel as you do. I can't write the words to express what joy I feel to fidn someone whom has a heart that lives for others before itself. If you would do me such kindness, I would like a friend.
|
|
|
|
Post by here I am send me on Feb 1, 2009 21:18:59 GMT -5
here I am send me,thanks for inspiring us to service the seemingly magical part of giving and sharing is that you get back more than you give ,by sharing you are telling the universe you have in abundance and it gives more than we gave in return,we cast a seed upon the ground and it returns 100 fold, so it is with what we gives, the good we echo out in to the universe,can continue and multiply for thousands of years well after the giver has gone to sleep the gifts of his heart continue to echo.
calmheart222
|
|
|
|
Post by manyfires on Mar 15, 2009 7:56:08 GMT -5
Dear "here I am send me": I'm agree...and I'm interested. Service is important...to my way of thinking...to help others is to help the 'whole'...which in turns helps us and our world. I'm new to the board and have no idea how we can email each other...hopefully someone will point this out to us and we can get in contact with each other.
Manyfires
|
|
|
|
Post by friend on Jul 4, 2010 11:32:45 GMT -5
i'm sorry to see that someone has already scammed my profile and been posting on my behalf. I am signing off this site (which is clearly not secure), i did not write any of these comments.   |
|
|
|
Post by karen on Jul 4, 2010 14:32:23 GMT -5
The site is secure enough if you would register an actual user name rather than relying on guest posting where anyone can choose any name.
|
|
|
|
Post by ravenscroft on Jul 5, 2010 14:24:13 GMT -5
It seems so much of modern spirituality is enmeshed with the self-help mentality, I am looking for anyone who appreciates the role of service in the spiritual life, as opposed to a preoccupation with individual development only. Being that it seems to be rare, I welcome anyone from anywhere who has this inclination. you have but one gift you can give the world, your own awakening you have the power to give nothing else |
|
|
|
Post by karen on Jul 5, 2010 15:42:58 GMT -5
Good answer!
|
|
