Tibetan Buddhist Lamrim: The Advantages of Cherishing Others
In the pursuit of self, we overlook the path to true fulfillment: embracing the joy of cherishing others above ourselves.
Self-centeredness and Prioritizing Personal Desires
A self-centered person creates a reality that revolves around themselves. Every event, every conversation, every moment of daily life is judged either good, bad, or unimportant based totally on how it effects the individual.
It’s an individualistic perspective that places personal welfare and desires ahead of the well-being of others. This mindset is characterized by a relentless pursuit of personal satisfaction, generally at the expense of communal welfare, and often without regard to the impact on others.
Individuals typically dedicate their existence to seeking personal joy, occasionally allowing others to partake in their journey, yet predominantly with a focus on their own happiness. Their every thought and action is driven by personal desires and the strategies to achieve these aspirations.
The foundation of our economic structure is built on the notion that individuals aggressively chase their selfish goals. In essence, the practice of prioritizing one's own needs over others', known as self-centeredness, is deeply ingrained in both individual and collective mindsets.
Despite centuries of individuals chasing their personal goals, true success remains elusive. Some may display an illusion of emotional and financial triumph, showcasing their wealth and achievements in an attempt to appear fulfilled, but this is merely a deception, often perpetrated to convince others that the self-centered person is meritorious.
Even the Buddha, who lived a life of luxury as a prince, found himself discontented. He concluded that inherent dissatisfaction was a fundamental characteristic of the human psyche.
Is there a better way?
If we accept that self-centeredness doesn’t work to bring lasting happiness or satisfaction, what should we do instead?
Mostly, we think that if we don’t work to make ourselves happy that no one else will. Therefore, it’s wiser to work for self satisfaction even if it isn’t very efficient. Anything is better than nothing.
Surprisingly enough, that simply isn’t true.
Working to increase the joy and satisfaction of others rather than ourselves is the key to lasting happiness and a deep sense of joy and satisfaction with life.
It takes a leap of faith to make the attempt, but for those who do, the joy they obtain from cherishing others fulfills all their dreams, and it makes everyone they encounter happy as well.
The advantages of cherishing others
In Tibetan Buddhist Lamrim teachings, recognizing the advantages of cherishing others is a pivotal step in cultivating loving-kindness, compassion, and spiritual progress. Cherishing others refers to the attitude of valuing and prioritizing the well-being and happiness of all sentient beings over one's own.
Cherishing others leads to genuine happiness and well-being. By prioritizing the welfare of all beings, practitioners create a positive and joyful mental state.
Cherishing others diminishes self-centeredness and selfish attitudes. It shifts the focus away from one's own desires and needs, reducing attachment, ego-clinging, and the anxiety that often accompanies that state.
Cherishing others naturally leads to the development of compassion. When individuals genuinely care about the well-being of others, they are motivated to alleviate the suffering of sentient beings.
Recognizing the advantages of cherishing others motivates practitioners to engage in virtuous actions and altruistic deeds for the benefit of all sentient beings. The practice of cherishing others is a virtuous act that accumulates positive karma. This positive karma leads to favorable circumstances and spiritual progress.
Cherishing others fosters harmonious and meaningful relationships. When individuals prioritize the well-being of others, conflicts and discord are reduced, and genuine connections are formed. People are not naturally drawn to self-centered individuals who only display concern for themselves.
Cherishing others is intimately connected with the cultivation of loving-kindness (Metta), the practice of generating goodwill and love for all beings. This practice contributes to inner peace and the spread of positive energy.
Cherishing others diminishes negative emotions such as jealousy, anger, and pride, which are rooted in self-centeredness. As these emotions decrease, individuals experience greater mental clarity and emotional balance.
Cherishing others is a core component of the Mahayana Buddhist path, leading practitioners toward the aspiration of Buddhahood. Buddhahood is the state of perfect awakening in which one can guide all beings to liberation from suffering.
Contemplation
Consider what you read in this post and focus on the following first-person narrative:
When I cherish others, I protect both myself and others from suffering, it brings joy and lasting happiness, and it fulfills the wishes of both myself and others.
Object of Meditation
Contemplating the above, you generate a strong desire to cherish others. This motivation to cherish others is the object of the meditation.
You should hold this feeling for as long as possible, which should feel very enjoyable and uplifiting. If you mind brings up objections and the feeling is lost, return to the contemplation and generate the feelings anew.
In summary, Tibetan Buddhist Lamrim teachings on the advantages of cherishing others highlight the benefits of cultivating a selfless attitude that values the well-being of all sentient beings. This practice leads to greater happiness, harmonious relationships, spiritual progress, and the eventual attainment of enlightenment, making it a central element of the Mahayana path.