Think about it: how often are you told to put others first? Your teachers want to help students, parents sacrifice everything for their children, and everyone is constantly striving to 'do good.' But have you ever noticed that despite all this 'helping,' our world still seems to be struggling? What if the very act of constantly trying to be a 'good Samaritan' is actually a subtle form of ego, a way to feel important? "Who am I?" you might ask. "The one who does good to everybody!" This feeling of being 'somebody' through endless giving can actually be a dangerous form of arrogance, where you proudly declare, "Look, I sacrificed my life for you!" We've been fed this narrative our entire lives: "Service Before Self." But what if that's fundamentally backward?
Imagine trying to help someone when you're deeply unwell yourself. A sick person, however well-intentioned, trying to 'help' others might inadvertently spread their illness, rather than provide true aid. Yet, nobody tells us to look after ourselves first! We're all 'sick' in some way – tired, stressed, depleted – but the societal expectation is still to 'give, give, give.' It’s a beautiful sentiment, this act of giving. But how can you give generously to others if your own 'pocket' is empty? If you only have two rupees, how can you genuinely give someone a hundred? It might feel good in the moment, but it's unsustainable, an illusion of generosity born from an empty well. The truth is profound: Self is everything. Self is the sturdy root, and Service is the beautiful flower that blooms from it. Genuine, impactful service can only emerge from a tree with strong, healthy roots. If the roots are rotten, can you truly expect beautiful flowers to blossom? It's impossible. Focus on nurturing your own 'root' – your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Build your strength, fill your own cup, become robust and healthy. When you genuinely care for your 'self,' true, authentic, and powerful service will naturally, effortlessly, follow. It's not selfish; it's the ultimate act of genuine generosity.
