noun
benefiting oneself; self-benefit
Primarily a Buddhist term referring to seeking one's own spiritual benefit or enlightenment, often contrasted with 利他 (benefiting others). In general use, it can mean acting for one's own advantage.
仏教では自利と利他の両方が大切だと説かれる。
In Buddhism, it is taught that both self-benefit and benefiting others are important.
彼の行動は自利に走りすぎている。
His actions are too driven by self-interest.
Compound of 自 (self) and 利 (benefit). The term is used in Buddhist contexts to refer to the pursuit of one's own spiritual welfare.