Doing actions without expectations! Is this possible?

Working voluntarily is fine but working after being promised to be paid and that does not materialise then in such case one should repeatedly ask for the money.

Failure of A promised remuneration or payment is breach of trust. It is highly immoral.

In the question you have used the word 'action' and this can be interpreted in many ways. Action can be day to day work, professional work and even emotional act is also an action. Loving someone is also an action according to me. I would say that I love all my most dear ones selflessly and this is a fact but a little twist is there. I don't expect them to shower on me materialistic happiness but definitely I would feel happy and privileged if they too love me in return. I think love has to produce love  or else it causes some distance among people in every type of relationship.

It's the poster who used the word action.. Of course "Action " is a word that can be interpreted in many ways. But in the context of the thread, Action means any action. There is no harm if Action is interpreted as a DEED.

We do our professional work on result orinetation. we also expect adequate compensation for our work. There is no question of working without remuneration. But we perform charitable work without reward. rather we spend. also certain actions are for enjoyment and not monetary gains. You go on picnic, go to a pub or on pilgrimage. Here also you get nothing material but just satsisfy yourself.   

Yes. There are people who act for their satisfaction that they have done something good for the society. Such charitable activities do not naturally expect any returns.

Shampa Sadhya wrote:

In the question you have used the word 'action' and this can be interpreted in many ways. Action can be day to day work, professional work and even emotional act is also an action. Loving someone is also an action according to me. I would say that I love all my most dear ones selflessly and this is a fact but a little twist is there. I don't expect them to shower on me materialistic happiness but definitely I would feel happy and privileged if they too love me in return. I think love has to produce love  or else it causes some distance among people in every type of relationship.

There is always some expectation when you do something, either in kind, cash or emotion or at least a feeling satisfaction which spurs you on to do something more..Giving a helping hand to the needy is human and to a certain extent one's duty and if it is considered a big thing, it just goes to show how selfish the average citizen has become ! Emotions are mutual be it between parent and children, couple, siblings or friends ..So, there is expectation!

When money finds backstage and emotions and emphathy takes centre stage then these kind of acts are possible. But the idea of living with money is deeply rooted.

epraneeth77 wrote:

When money finds backstage and emotions and emphathy takes centre stage then these kind of acts are possible. But the idea of living with money is deeply rooted.

 I beg to differ with you.It all depends on one's inherent traits. Doing things in a different way, and treading a new path that was never used and Service before self were deeply rooted in my  nerves In this process Money and returns were never a point in my agenda.

There is always an expectation against an action either its cash or satisfaction, that depends on a person. If you feel satisfied with a particular deed or charity, you will go for it again. Sometimes you expect that satisfaction and sometime it comes of its own.

Great Philanthropists, despite having tons of money, after a certain stage in their life, no more they show interest in heaping money. They are immensely pleased with that satisfaction that they have done something good for the welfare of the humanity.

Only when all your expectations are fulfilled. But are they ever? 

It is understood that those Philanthropists after satisfying themselves that all their expectations are fulfilled, they started their good deeds without any returns.

No one ever does anything without expectations. Let us be clear on that. Rich philanthropists get tax exemptions, which are available to ordinary tax payers also. Frequently when funds are collected for flood/ earthquake victims ets a entertainment show are organised for the donors. If such returns are not there then many philanthropists do it for their spiritual salvation towards the end of their lives. It is very rare that some one is giving without any expectation.

Neha Sadana wrote:

There is always an expectation against an action either its cash or satisfaction, that depends on a person. If you feel satisfied with a particular deed or charity, you will go for it again. Sometimes you expect that satisfaction and sometime it comes of its own.

Satisfaction and peace of mind are also expectations, but they happen naturally even if you expect it or not. They reflect in your inner world. You cannot demand it from anybody if it does not happen of its own.  In the other case, you expect compensation against your work because you deserve it, and ask for it if you do not get.  

Anyhow according to you such philanthropists are rare. RARE doesn't  mean that there are none. And about  those RARE people we are talking and discussing about.

Are you aware of such RARE persons. We may like to know about them.

Google search will throw lot of light in this matter. Do some homework.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individuals_and_groups_assisting_Jews_during_the_Holocaust

It is hard but possible if we put our hearts and mind to it. It is a matter of discipline your mind. The Bible would say thus - Never tire of doing good.  If we expect anything in return we would become weary and slacken in our deeds. 

Sounds difficult but to attain eternal life is not an easy task. 

Good things are always difficult. They have to be achieved by shedding sweat and blood.