Bliss and Selflessness

Buddhism and various “New Age” philosophies put forward the belief that the state of enlightenment is one of blissful selflessness. But isn’t the pursuit of bliss a form of selfishness?

There is no doubt that selflessness exists. Every day soldiers, police and fire-fighters risk tremendous suffering and death to help others. Rewards may come from this behaviour, but they could hardly be the reason for it. Nobody runs into a burning building to save a gold medal. But they will do that if there is a child trapped inside.

When a person acts as if a principle is more important than their life or the avoidance of suffering, they are acting selflessly. Down through history there have been countless examples of people choosing to be tortured or killed rather than recant their beliefs. But where is the bliss in that? While I’ve heard of a saint who experienced intense bliss on kissing a leper, I doubt whether being stoned, burned alive or crucified are at all enjoyable.

None of this means that enlightenment and bliss are not worth pursuing, either together or separately. But keeping in mind what genuinely characterises selflessness can only add a much needed dose of humility.