Becoming a Buddhist monk can be viewed through various lenses. While it involves renouncing worldly possessions, it also aims at personal enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Thus, it might be seen as self-interest in seeking spiritual fulfillment. However, monks often dedicate their lives to helping others, suggesting altruism. The motivation can vary, blending self-interest with selfless intentions.
Yes, it can. Choosing monkhood often offers personal benefits—freedom from worldly duties, inner peace, or spiritual fulfillment—that are self-directed. Yet such a decision can also reflect deep compassion: alleviating suffering by reducing personal consumption, serving others through mindfulness, or preserving Dharma. Self-interest and altruism may coexist.
The choice to become a Buddhist monk can appear self-interested on the surface, as it often involves seeking personal peace, enlightenment, or liberation from suffering. However, in Buddhism, true spiritual progress requires transcending self-attachment. Monastic life emphasizes renunciation, compassion, and service to others. While the initial motivation may include personal goals, the path itself aims to dissolve ego and cultivate altruism. Thus, while it may begin with self-interest, the practice ultimately seeks to transcend it.
Yes, it can be viewed as "enlightened self-interest." The primary goal is to liberate oneself from suffering. One must cultivate personal wisdom and peace before effectively helping others, akin to securing one's own oxygen mask first. However, the practice ultimately aims to dissolve the ego (Anatta) and cultivate compassion. In the Mahayana tradition specifically, monks vow to help all beings, transforming personal liberation into a selfless act.
Yes, in a nuanced way. Many choose monastic life to end suffering, gain peace, or seek enlightenment—aims that can be seen as “self-interest.” But Buddhist practice also trains letting go of ego and attachment. So it’s often described as wise or enlightened self-interest: seeking one’s good by transcending the narrow self.
Yes, but it depends on perspective. While Buddhist monasticism emphasizes renunciation and selflessness, the choice can still reflect self-interest—such as seeking liberation (nirvana), inner peace, or escape from suffering. However, Buddhism frames this as "enlightened self-interest," where personal benefit aligns with compassion for all beings. The key difference lies in intention: is the act rooted in ego or wisdom? (499 chars)
Yes, it can be seen that way. The primary goal is to end personal suffering (dukkha) and attain enlightenment (Nirvana). This is a profound form of self-interest aimed at ultimate liberation, not worldly gain. The path, however, inherently cultivates compassion and benefits all beings.
Yes. It can be seen as pursuing ultimate liberation and freedom from suffering, which is a profound form of self-interest aimed at ending one's own dissatisfaction.