Be Like a Lighthouse: Give Without Expecting

In today’s world, most people expect something in return for what they do. Whether it’s kindness, help, or even love, we often keep a mental note—“I did this for them, so they should do something for me.” But what if we chose to live differently?

Let’s look at a lighthouse.
A lighthouse stands tall in the sea, far away from people. It faces strong winds, storms, and calm days too. Still, it shines its light every single night. Whether a ship is carrying passengers or pirates, the lighthouse sends the same signal—without judging, without asking for anything.

Nobody really notices or thanks the lighthouse, but it keeps doing its duty. It never asks, “Who saw me?” or “What will I get in return?” It just does what it’s meant to do.

Now, let’s compare this to how we humans behave.

“Spiritual maturity is when you give without expecting, love without conditions, and shine without needing attention.” — Anonymous

The Habit of Expecting in Return

When parents raise children, they often hope the kids will take care of them in old age.
When someone helps a friend, they expect that the favour will be returned one day.
We call this “practical thinking” or “common sense.” And society even encourages this. Phrases like “a friend in need is a friend indeed” make it sound reasonable.

Imagine this:
You welcome a friend to your home with warmth, tea, good food, and happy conversations. Later, you visit them, but they don’t offer the same warmth. Maybe just a cup of tea, no food, no warmth. You feel hurt and disappointed. When you share this experience with others, they agree with you and even say your anger is justified.

But here’s a question:
What will you do the next time that friend comes to your house?
Will you treat them the same way as before? Or will you just serve tea to make a point?

Chances are, you’ll treat them differently. This shows that your nature of giving changed because of someone else’s behaviour. You became like them.

Nature Teaches Us Selflessness

Look at a flower.
It gives off the same sweet fragrance whether it’s placed in a temple or on a funeral pyre.
It doesn’t care if it’s held by a poor person or a rich one.
It just shares its fragrance.

Even a dog stays loyal to its master, rich or poor. It doesn’t change its love based on status.

So why do we humans, who are said to be the most intelligent and aware of all creatures, behave differently?

Why do we often give love, help, or respect only when we receive the same in return?

Lessons from the Great Masters

Great spiritual teachers like Mahatma Buddha, Lord Mahavir, and Guru Nanak never expected anything in return.
They gave kindness, love, and wisdom to everyone, rich or poor, kind or cruel.
They lived by one principle: “Serve without expecting.”
That’s why, even after hundreds of years, we remember and respect them.
They taught selflessness, equality, and inner peace.

“Do your duty without attachment, and with love, expecting nothing in return.”
— Bhagavad Gita

Becoming a Lighthouse in Someone’s Life

What if we tried to be like that lighthouse?

• What if we kept doing good, no matter how others behaved?
• What if we gave without expecting anything back?
• What if we stayed loyal, even when others didn’t?

When you become the lighthouse in someone’s life, you guide them even during their storms.
When you help someone in need without expecting anything, you feel peaceful inside.
When you remain loyal and loving in your relationships, you spread warmth to your family and the world around you, like a small stick of incense burning in a corner, filling the whole room with fragrance.

Final Thought

Being kind and giving without expecting is not a weakness.
It’s a strength—a quiet strength that brings peace, joy, and meaning to life.

So ask yourself:
Can I be the lighthouse?
If yes, then start today.
Shine, no matter what.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi