"The language used in everyday life has prevailing meanings, but the real meaning is known from Gnani Purush where the ultimate meaning is attained. That explanation is way away from the popular meaning, but it is real and therefore touches the heart.
Swa means the Self and swa-arthi really means for the Self-the Soul. The one who lives for the Self is the real selfish one. There are selfless people in this world; those who live for others, like a candle, not just for the family, but for the happiness of others. If one lives for own family, it is called nothing but selfishness, yet if it is selfishness within the limit of normality, he is not considered selfish. When greed and voraciousness take hold, a desire to snatch away more than his just share, every one will call him selfish. Really speaking all this is doing for others-pararth. Parmarth-the ultimate meaning is the intention to give happiness to others and that too is for the purpose of selfishness."
