Value: Seva - September 2025

Second Week: Seva with emotion

The word "seva" also signifies reverence and admiration, both of which stem from an emotional connection. We tend to revere only what we respect and devote ourselves to. Admiration, on the other hand, is a form of deep appreciation. Does this mean that seva, or service, should only be offered to those we revere and admire?

Seva is enhanced by devotion

Divine emotion manifests as devotion. Many people dedicate themselves to their personal deities, worshipping them at home or at specific holy shrines. Devotees often undertake yearly pilgrimages and observe festivals with great reverence. While these events can evoke intense love for God, they do not lead to personal transformation unless we maintain the same respectful attitude toward everyone we encounter in our daily lives.

Lord Krishna advises Arjuna (BG 9.27): यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्। यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्।। - "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer as a sacrifice, whatever you give, and whatever austerities you undertake, all that you offer to Me." Devotion should not be confined to rituals, festivals, and pilgrimages; it should be expressed as a constant love for God, who Himself manifests as all beings. Serving the world is, in essence, serving God.

Loving attitude

Consider viewing service as a way to express your love for God. Seva is about connecting with the world around you to facilitate your ability to serve. When you present a fruit to God, who do you thank or show gratitude to? Is it the shopkeeper who sold it to you, the wholesaler who supplied the shop, the farmer who cultivated the produce, the tree that bore it, or the Earth’s fertility, along with the sun and water?

 

Although we may feel independent, we are actually interdependent. No one can thrive without the support of many others. When we have the opportunity to serve, we should be grateful to all those who contribute to our lives, both known and unknown. True seva is expressing thanks to the Lord, who supports us through countless hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouths, and hearts.

 

 

Value: Seva - September 2025

First Week: Selfless Seva

Seva is more than just a service; it differs significantly from the services provided by any private or public institution. For example, at an airport or a hotel, you can visit a "service center" where your needs are addressed, but only if you have paid for their services. In this context, the value of seva is not comparable to such transactional services.

Sign of seva is sacrifice

A mother selflessly sacrifices her personal needs to carry her child in her womb and, after the child is born, dedicates countless hours to raising him or her. Is she compensated for that effort? Parents work tirelessly to educate their children and instill the right values to help them mature.

We must recognize that many known and unknown members of our family and community have made sacrifices to shape who we are today. Beyond expressing gratitude to our family members, each of us has a responsibility to give back to the community. Seva is an expression of gratitude to those who have sacrificed for us.

Put others first

Did anyone ask Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji to deliver daily discourses on Hindu scriptures? Did they request him to start Balavihar for children and study groups for adults? He keenly observed the lack of awareness about religion and philosophy among Hindus, which could jeopardize the ancient Hindu tradition and culture. 

For over 40 years, he tirelessly worked to enhance the spiritual, religious, and cultural awareness of everyone in his audience through lectures, personal letters, and interviews. He sacrificed his personal needs and health and put others first. He personally answered every mail that came to him and met every one who came with a hunger for spiritual knowledge.

Each one of us can contribute to improving the lives of those around us through our service. At the end of each day, let us reflect: "Today, whom did I help to become better?"