"Seva" is a Sanskrit word that means "selfless service" or work performed without expecting any reward or repayment. It is similar to Nishkama Karma or Karma Yoga, which is the advice Lord Krishna gives to Arjuna in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna emphasizes the great benefits of performing actions for others without seeking personal gain. He states, "Karmanye adhikarastu ma phaleshu kadhachana" which means, "You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." While this may seem peculiar, it is based on the universal law that governs the effects or outcomes of any action. Despite our belief that we have control over everything, we actually have no control over the end results.
Therefore, Lord Krishna insists that we only have the right to perform our duty and should not expect any rewards. In any case, the rewards are not within our control but are determined by a cosmic power that is inherently fair. We can be certain that we will receive our just rewards, neither more nor less, even if we may not agree with what we receive. We often feel that we deserve more than what we get. Thus, "seva" is the art of performing selfless actions that are a gift to everyone involved. It aids in our spiritual growth and contributes to the well-being of the individuals or communities for whom the seva is performed.
Our Puranas uphold the axiom, "Manava seva, Madhava seva," which means that serving our fellow beings is equivalent to worshiping God. Hence, Lord Krishna advises that while performing seva or any action, it should be done as an offering to the divinity present in the person. This is the right attitude to adopt when engaging in seva. By having this mindset, there will be no disappointments, as our duty is solely to serve the divine within the individual without expecting anything in return. Whatever we receive in return should be regarded as "prasad" or something sacred. "Prasad" refers to the remnants of something that has been offered to God.
Often, we may feel that our efforts in serving someone or the society have not been adequately recognized and that we deserve better. This sense of frustration stems from having high expectations. Another comment from Lord Krishna is to consider oneself as an instrument in the hands of God. When we do or give anything to others, it is important to remember that we arrived in this world empty-handed and will leave empty-handed. If, at this moment, we have something in our hands that we can give to someone, it should be given with the understanding that "I am not the giver. Anything I give, any service I provide, is only given to me by God. Therefore, I have no right to demand or expect anything in return from the other party, not even gratitude." When seva is performed with this attitude, there will be no disappointments, and whatever we receive will bring us only happiness.
Hinduism offers another perspective on the practice of seva. We should express gratitude to God for granting us the opportunity to serve others, as not everyone is fortunate enough to have such opportunities. When we do something for another person, we should be grateful to them for accepting our service. In fact, they are the ones who have done us a service, not the other way around. Both "dana" (charity) and seva should be approached with this mindset.
The Taittiriya Upanishad states, "Give. Give with faith. Do not give without faith. Give with sensitivity. Give with a feeling of abundance. Give with the right understanding." According to the Hindu worldview, all beings are interconnected, as God resides within all beings. "Vasudeva Kudumbam" is another profound principle in Hinduism, signifying that the entire world is one family and that family belongs to God. If we witness suffering within our family, it is our duty and joy to help without expecting any rewards. Every person in our family should be treated with the same consideration we give to ourselves. Viewing the suffering of others as separate from ourselves or as "someone else's problem" goes against this principle. Nobody is a stranger to us. We are all interconnected to everything else in the universe in some way or another. Nothing in this world truly belongs to us. The ego acts as a barrier that prevents us from perceiving the true nature of existence as One.
Therefore, any assistance we provide to others is actually a means of helping ourselves grow spiritually. Selfless service to humanity is the highest form of worship, or "puja," to God. This embodies the spirit of seva.
At times, people are driven by the ambition to change the world and leave a mark on humanity through their charitable deeds. However, it is important to remember that it is nearly impossible to change the entire world all at once. Many avatars, reformers, and saints have come and gone, yet none have been able to completely transform the world. Nonetheless, this should not be seen as a failure. It is far better to focus on the community around us, the town or village we reside in, the relationships we have formed, and the lives we can touch. In the eyes of God, there is no distinction between great and small actions. Even the simplest acts, such as watering a withered plant or feeding a hungry animal, can be considered great seva.
God does not require us to undertake tasks of great national or international importance. All that is expected of us is to give as much as we can, for as long as we can. Such seva is a selfless gift that serves others without expecting anything in return. Our sole concern is for the recipient of the gift. True seva is performed ceaselessly and effortlessly, without considering it a grand accomplishment. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises us to engage in action for the sake of action, for the sake of the divine that resides in every living being, without expecting personal rewards or recognition. Seva should be performed without begrudging the time, money, or effort we invest in it. Humility is the greatest attitude of all. Regardless of how remarkable our actions or generous our gifts may be, they will hold no value in the eyes of God if they are done with the belief that we are superior souls. Seva performed with the understanding that we are mere instruments of God will bring immeasurable benefits to all involved, even if we remain unaware of them. This is the highest form of seva, capable of purifying both the giver and the receiver.
Hari Aum Tat Sat!