Publisher’s Note
Seva is literally ‘service’ or ‘selfless action’. Seva means serving others rather than focusing solely on our own wants or needs. It is a reflection of our higher nature and part of our true purpose as human beings – to help one another. The foundation of seva is love and devotion for the Father. The desire to do seva comes from within and is motivated by love. Seva is first and foremost about the attitude with which we serve others – of love, humility and selflessness.
When Baba Ji was asked how he thought of himself, he answered, “as a sevadar.” That simple statement embodies the humility and selfless dedication of the master in his service to the sangat. It also gives us a guideline to follow as we travel on the spiritual path. We want to serve the master because we want to help him in his seva and because we want to emulate our master.
The masters always emphasize that if we want to become more spiritual, we need to first become good human beings – that is, we need to become truly human. By serving others, by embodying the ideals of a selfless way of life, we learn to imbibe the qualities that define true humanity. The greatest reward in seva is the contentment and happiness that we feel when we get an opportunity to serve someone else.
On many occasions the masters have discussed the importance of seva. This book explores the many different aspects of seva, such as the different types of seva, the need for harmony, self-discipline, obedience, attitude, listening, balance, and the most important seva of all, meditation. All the other forms of seva help to build a conducive atmosphere and foundation for our daily spiritual practice.
As human beings we can apply a sense of purpose to our lives and make choices based on a desire to live a more noble life, thus moving forward in our evolution towards becoming truly spiritual. If we don’t consider the needs of others but focus only on our own selfish desires, we lose an opportunity to increase our love for others and for the master.
This book attempts to encapsulate and share some aspects of a life of seva and the ways in which seva can “complete” us – to help us grow as human beings, in dedication to our master. It is hoped that the sangat will find the book useful as a guide and inspiration.
D. K. Sikri
Secretary
Radha Soami Satsang Beas