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' (also known as ', Sanskrit: ) is the concept of performing selfless service without expecting any reward. It holds significance in both Hinduism and Sikhism in the forms of Bhandara and Langar, respectively. (1995). 9781898723134, Sussex Academic Press. ISBN 9781898723134 Sevā is a Sanskrit term meaning "selfless and meaningful service." Such acts are carried out to benefit other human beings or society; however, a modern interpretation of the term describes it as a service that reflects "dedication to others." Sevā can take place in a variety of forms and is performed with the mandate to bring faith back into the public realm. For the people participating in Sevā, it is a strong component of spiritual development in the belief that it wears down the egotism and selfishness of modernity.
In Hinduism, seva is also called karma yoga, as described in the Bhagavata Gita. It is performed without any expectation of reward, serving as a path to purify one's heart and progress toward moksha. In Bhagavad Gita (3.19), it states: "Therefore, giving up attachment, perform actions as a matter of duty because by working without being attached to the fruits, one attains the Supreme."
In Sikhism, Sevā is an act of service to Waheguru (Supreme God), and it is a way to become closer to Waheguru. The principles of Sevā underpin many Sikh values and are emphasized numerous times in the Guru Granth Sahib. The scripture focuses on the mindset when practicing Sevā, the spiritual benefits of doing the act, and how one should perform it.
comes from the Sanskrit root , "to serve", and is a central concept in both contemporary Hinduism and Sikhism.
In Hinduism, means selfless service and is often associated with (disciplined action) and (disciplined devotion). is also connected to other Sanskrit concepts, such as (gift giving), (compassion), and (love/affection). is also performed as a form of Self-concept-transcending spiritual practice known as , and plays a large role in modern Hinduism. A key concept in Hinduism is , which is liberation from the cycle of births and death known as . Sādhanā is the effort one makes to strive for liberation, which highlights the importance of service to others.
In Sikhism, the word also means "to worship, to adore, to pay homage through the act of love." Seva could be social, physical, spiritual or security service for the welfare of the humanity. In the writings of Sikh gurus, these two meanings of (service and worship) have been merged. is expected to be a labour of love performed with humility and without desire and intention.
([[Gurmukhi]]: ਕਰ ਸੇਵਾ), from the [[Sanskrit]] words , meaning hands or work, and , meaning service, another concept of Sikhism, is often translated as "voluntary labor". A volunteer for is called a (voluntary laborer)—someone who freely offers their services to a religious cause. Sikhs use the term to refer to people who engage in ministrations, altruistic philanthropy, and humanitarian endeavors in service to religion and society. (; also transcribed as ), literally "-supporter", is another [[Punjabi|Punjabi language]] word for a volunteer who performs .
The idea of selfless service () is an important concept because serving other people is considered an essential devotional practice of indirectly serving God and living a religious life that is a benefit to others. The motivation behind seva is serving God through serving humanity. Ultimately, seva can even be integrated into aspects of life, such as public health, to foster social cohesion and enhance interventions.
Before the early nineteenth century, the meaning of (serving or honoring) had been virtually synonymous with (worship), which typically also included distribution of (sacrificial offerings), such as food, fruits, and sweets to all gathered. Thus, typically involved the offering of food to a deity and its (idol), followed by the distribution of that food as .
The concept of and is explained in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna expounds on the subject. In modern times, the concept has been expanded to volunteering for the greater good, such as in disaster relief and other major incidents.
in Sikhism takes three forms: (Gurmukhi: ਤਨ), meaning physical service, i.e. manual labour, (Gurmukhi: ਮਨ), meaning mental service, such as studying to help others, and (Gurmukhi: ਧਨ), meaning material service, including financial support. Sikhism stresses (Gurmukhi: ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ), "honest work", and (Gurmukhi: ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ), "split up", sharing what you have by giving to the needy for the benefit of the community. It is a duty of every Sikh to engage in wherever possible, such as volunteering at a [[Gurdwara]], [[community center]], [[senior living]] center, care center, a disaster site, etc. can also be performed by offering service for a religious cause, such as constructing a gurdwara, a place of worship that performs community services, such as providing volunteer-run food kitchens.
is one of the main teachings of [[Sikhism]]—including its ordained philosophy, in [[Sikh scripture]], theology, and [[:Category:Sikh scripture|hermeneutics]]. A tradition set forth with the clear understanding that there is "God within all of us, and thus by serving humanity, you are serving God's creation." is believed to be a way to control [[inner vices|Five Thieves]] and is a key process in becoming closer to God.
Here are examples of seva that has had a lasting impact on society.
See also
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