4 ms·

I can relate to your frustrations; what does the term "dying to self" mean to you? (I'm trying to understand the phrase, not questioning it)

• 323454 5y ago
  I'm not GP but as I understand it most religions contain an idea that selflessness is the highest good that a person can attain. Further they often maintain that only by becoming truly selfless can you make your spirit one with God (I don't specifically mean the Christian God here, just the concept of God). Becoming truly self-less literally means eliminating the self and its wants and impulses (really what is meant by this is typically something like the ego). Such an elimination has been called a "dying to self" or a mortification. I will say that in my experience acting in selfless ways is indeed the most spiritually fulfilling thing you can do, regardless of your specific theology. The paradox is that you have to really be selfless: if you have any expectation of a reward (even a spiritual one) then you are in fact still acting for your self. Consequently the only true source of selflessness is love for others that exceeds love for yourself. Cultivate such love and you can't go wrong.
  • czbond 5y ago
    Thank you - that was very helpful