Through the prism of Buddhism

I was somewhat disappointed, although on reflection I shouldn't have been, listened to a Buddhist monk, on to this mornings TV program The Big Question, calmly describing and evaluating his beliefs in the face of people, also guests on the show  who are the antithesis of 'self' discovery and who felt  that personal immersion in all of Societies woes was the proper thing to do to help humanity.
The question was, "can we be at one with humanity and its troubles if we follow what it was suggested, is a disconnect by concentrating on ones own inner self".
His approach, of making himself, as an individual a better person through the study of "self" by the use of meditation and self analysis and so, (it could be argued), collectively improving the world by the sum total of one, was in stark contrast to the fervour of the religious preacher or the charity worker who sets out each day to build or knock down walls in their effort to help others.
The question arises "is Buddhism selfish"? 

One understands the 'peace of mind' which is attained and how this image can act as a role model for others but is this a secondary effect rather than the 'hands on' healing of societies woes and was 'direct action' not more useful.

One could see the Monk was not up for a verbal fight  he had reached his enlightenment the hard way and it was not in his make up to get into a fight as to who was best. The oft quoted proverb "he who makes the most noise is assumed to be right" was not in his vocabulary, he was not in a contest, he was above all that and would speak to his own knowledge not that of others. 

It was also noticeable that as one of a number sitting on the front row waiting his turn to be asked for his contribution he looked neither to the left or right. It was if he was in his own space and didn't need confirmation of anyone else as the discussion progressed.
It seems as if this is what self analysis does. It provides an arena of thought in which external noise is excluded and bickering over political methodology becomes pointless. Of course it could also have denoted a lack of worldliness or concern, even a sense of superiority.
Perhaps the Buddhist "side" of the debate should have been represented by the Buddhist Nun, Australian Robina Curtin who appears in so many of the videos on YouTube. 

She takes no prisoners in the rough and tumble of debate and her quick mind still has enough of the "worldly" karma to respond to "worldly" concerns.