VIJAY HASHIA

While the Covid-19 virus has created panic, chaos, depression and, in some cases, death, it has also revealed another aspect of human nature heroism and hope, courage and compassion, empathy and appreciation evident in numerous warriors from various government agencies and members of civil society, including medical staff and sanitation workers. Only a life lived in the service of others is worth living. There is no religion greater than human service.

Seva in Sanskrit is the act of selfless service. Seva is done without any expectation, return or reward, name or fame. It is nishkama seva. In Sikhism, selfless service is a paramount belief. In Shia Ismailism, service is described as doing volunteer work for others from the heart.

Ismailis donate their time and knowledge wherever it may be needed, as nazrana. The Bhagwad Gita says, That gift which is made to one who can make no return, with the feeling that it is ones duty to give, is held to be saatvik. The Gita encourages selfless service to grow spiritually; thus, it is closely linked to the concept of karma yoga.

Service before self is a great motto in the forces. Through mindful awareness of challenges, seva can be used as a powerful tool for people to learn more about themselves, their personalities and patterns of behaviour. One can elevate oneself to spiritual progress as work is our right but not the fruits thereof.

God who is present in me is also present in other human beings. Thus, doing seva is serving God, doing seva is worshipping God, and to work for ones salvation and ultimate eternal happiness.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Essence of Seva - Economic Times