Swami Sivananda: 'Always do good to others. Be selfless. Mentally remove everything and be free. This is divine life. This is the direct way to Moksha or salvation.'

Always do good to others. Be selfless. Mentally remove everything and be free. This is divine life. This is the direct way to Moksha or salvation.

Swami Sivananda's profound words, "Always do good to others. Be selfless. Mentally remove everything and be free. This is divine life. This is the direct way to Moksha or salvation," encapsulate the essence of leading a life rooted in compassion and altruism. The quote emphasizes the significance of selflessness, kindness, and detachment as essential components of a spiritually fulfilling existence. By highlighting the importance of prioritizing the well-being of others without any expectation of personal gain, Swami Sivananda underscores the transformative power of devoting oneself to acts of kindness and service.In essence, the quote encourages individuals to transcend their ego-driven desires and attachments, promoting a sense of liberation and interconnectedness with all beings. Through cultivating a mindset of selflessness and generosity, one can attain a higher state of consciousness and align themselves with the divine principles of unity, love, and harmony. The path to salvation, as outlined by Swami Sivananda, involves shedding the constraints of materialism and embracing a lifestyle based on empathy, compassion, and moral integrity.However, in the realm of philosophical inquiry, an interesting concept known as ethical egoism presents a contrasting viewpoint to the ideals espoused by Swami Sivananda. Ethical egoism posits that individuals ought to prioritize their self-interest and maximize their own welfare above all else. This theory asserts that acting in one's own self-interest ultimately leads to the greatest good for the individual, regardless of its impact on others. While ethical egoism may seem diametrically opposed to the notion of selflessness advocated by Swami Sivananda, it raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of altruism, personal responsibility, and moral duty.Despite the apparent conflict between selflessness and egoism, a nuanced understanding reveals that both perspectives offer valuable insights into the complex nature of human motivation and behavior. While Swami Sivananda's teachings emphasize the transformative power of altruism and compassion in attaining spiritual enlightenment, ethical egoism challenges individuals to critically examine their ethical obligations and consider the implications of prioritizing self-interest. By exploring the interplay between selflessness and self-interest, we can deepen our understanding of human nature, morality, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.In conclusion, Swami Sivananda's quote serves as a guiding light for those seeking a life of purpose, virtue, and transcendence. By embodying the principles of kindness, selflessness, and detachment, individuals can embark on a journey towards self-realization and liberation from worldly attachments. While ethical egoism presents an alternative perspective on ethical decision-making, the underlying message of the quote remains clear: the path to salvation lies in the unwavering commitment to doing good to others and embracing a life guided by love, compassion, and selflessness.