The Buddha taught that all beings wish to be content but are trapped by the cycle of dukkha, which is one of the three marks of existence (Pali: tilakkhana; Sanskrit: trilaksana). According to the teachings of the Buddha, the highest intention is to alleviate suffering. But there are risks: seeking praise, trying to be seen as good, or having other selfish motivations, even subtle ones, can build up the ego, which increases one’s own suffering and makes our efforts less beneficial. Ego is considered the ultimate cause of all dukkha. Acting selflessly, with the wisdom of selflessness (anatta), and benefiting others reduces dukkha for self and others.

There is a classic analogy of a knife and a whetstone. When you sharpen a knife, two exhaustions happen: the exhaustion of the whetstone and the exhaustion of the metal. This double exhaustion is like applying compassion to others: as we seek to relieve others’ suffering, our own suffering—often stemming from a rigid sense of self—is also relieved.

It’s skillful to check for any selfish intentions when engaging in social activism. The wish to help alleviate the suffering of others can be tainted by a wish to look good or feel lofty and virtuous. While outwardly we may seem to want to reduce suffering and increase well-being, sometimes we have hidden motives, even hidden to ourselves if we do not practice self-examination.

The Buddha’s discourse on anatta, the Anatta-Lakkhana Sutra, was given to a group of five ascetics in Varanasi. It explores and defines the most common notion of “self,” which the Buddha was warning about.

True altruism is selfless (anatta), free from a wish for praise and credit. Helping without feeling proud or seeking praise helps cut suffering at the root. Each of us has a role to play, and every little act can add up to create a big change in the world.

Reflect on acknowledging others’ good deeds. Compare the feelings that arise when acting altruistically with those that arise when acting for oneself.

• What does it feel like when you don't get credit for a good deed?
• How does it feel when you get praised for doing a good deed?
• How does it feel to do something pointless or aimless?
• How does it feel when you set an intention of benefiting others while carrying out everyday activities, compared to doing something without any clear intention?

Analyze systemic issues within the community by evaluating their root causes and interconnected effects, then design and implement collaborative social action initiatives that prioritize collective wellbeing over individual recognition, while critically examining their own motivations to align actions with the principle of anatta (selflessness).