Live to Give
Have you ever looked at the lives of the wonderful people who “give back” or “pay it forward”?
They are much happier, aren’t they?
What is their secret?
Their secret is Seva. Seva is a Sanskrit term that means “service to others.” “Others” includes serving your fellow humans, animals, plants, fish in the sea, birds, reptiles, etc. In summary, ”Seva” or “service” refers to serving the entire planet with all its inhabitants. It is a very important principle in your emotional and spiritual growth. In fact, it is so important that various cultures across the globe extol, stress, and encourage us to “serve.”
Everyone has their own method that they use to serve and everyone has something to give. Successful people can teach or help others to succeed. Wealthy people can use some of their fortune to serve the poor, those that are ill, and those that are physically or cognitively challenged. By serving other beings, we can reduce the inequities of modern life.
There is a very popular Sanskrit verse that says, “Manushya seva is Madhava seva.” This means that serving human beings is serving “God.” But in Hinduism and some other traditions, it doesn’t stop there (as I mentioned earlier). The effect or end result of service to all is expressed in the vision of seeing all beings as sacred, as important, and as a manifestation of the divine. Unfortunately, in the past, this vision of treating all of creation and nature as sacred has been labeled derogatory by terms like paganism or animism. This limited view misses the point of the beauty and benefits of these traditions. But time is beginning to change that. More people today are embracing a “holistic” life of mutual respect and harmony.
When one looks at plants, animals, the earth etc., as sacred, it encourages kindness and service towards everyone. It reduces exploitation, harm, inequalities, and inequities. It encourages the attitude of respect and harmony. The same old concept of “recognizing the sacred” has today morphed into practices such as “be kind to animals”, “plant a tree”, and “save the Earth.”
Some may say, “What can I give if I’m not rich or influential?” Well, you don’t have to be rich and powerful to serve. Everyone has something to give. Here are some examples of things you can choose from:
1. Visit a senior center and assist someone. Simply spend time talking to those that are lonely. Take them for a walk. Share a smile. :)
2. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
3. Provide food, clothing, or shelter to the homeless.
4. Spend time with children at orphanages; read stories to them or play fun games with them.
5. Plant fruit trees or flowers. Other people will reap the fruits and the flowers will also present a cheerful atmosphere.
6. If you’re a musician, play your instrument for others to enjoy.
7. If you’re a dancer, bring happiness to other people through your dance.
8. If you’re a comedian, bring laughter to others.
These are just a few things you can do to serve. You can come up with many similar ideas if you are interested in helping or serving others. In addition, whatever action you take to serve others will have a positive impact on you also. You will become more sensitive, your compassion will increase, and your emotional and spiritual maturity will grow. Your life will change from being a “taker” to a “giver.” You will go from being just a “consumer” to a “contributor.” When that change happens, your life will find purpose and you will enjoy the rewards of self-satisfaction and the joy of fulfillment. Perform Seva, and serve with a smile!
Om ShantiH ShantiH ShantiH.
~Sri Rajaji