Sevā
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Sevā (also known as sewa, Sanskrit: सेवा) is the concept of performing selfless service without expecting any reward. It holds significance in both Hinduism and Sikhism, taking the form of Bhandara and Langar, respectively.[1][2][3] 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"[4]. In Christianity, the Bible verses from Matthew and James underline that serving others is a way of life. Sevā can take various forms and is performed with the intention of bringing faith into the public realm.[5] For those participating in it, sevā is an essential component of spiritual development, serving to wear down the egotism and selfishness associated with modernity.[6]
In Hinduism, sevā is also called karma yoga, as described in the Bhagavad Gita.[7] 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 is stated: "Therefore, giving up attachment, perform actions as a matter of duty, because by working without being attached to the fruits, one attains the Supreme."[8]
In Sikhism, sevā is an act of service to Waheguru (the Supreme God), enabling one to grow closer to Waheguru. The principles of sevā underpin many Sikh values and are emphasized numerous times in the Guru Granth Sahib. The scripture focuses not only on how one should perform sevā, but also the proper mindset one should have and the spiritual benefits that result from performing sevā.[9]
In Christianity, sevā or serving others is described as a sacred act. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus emphasizes this principle: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
- ^ Dagdhi, Ujjawal (1 October 2018). "भंडारे का इतिहास और महत्व | History of Bhandara and Importance in Hindi". Dil Se Deshi. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ Cole, William Owen; Sambhi, Piara Singh (1995). The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Sussex Academic Press. ISBN 978-1898723134.
- ^ Nadananda, Avadhoota (14 January 2017). Autobiography of an Avadhoota - Part II. Gurulight.
- ^ Pagani, Frederique (2013). "Empathy, Salvation, and Religious Identity". In Schlecker, Markus; Fleischer, Friederike (eds.). Ethnographies of Social Support. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 180. ISBN 978-1-137-33096-3.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Pandya, Samta P (1 September 2016). "Sociality and guru-led movements: Interplay of social issues, action and social service". Current Sociology. 64 (5): 775–793. doi:10.1177/0011392115602936. ISSN 0011-3921.
- ^ Phillips, Stephen (2009). "Karma Yoga". Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy. Columbia University Press. p. 100. ISBN 9780231144841.
Thus outlined, yoga can be done in the world, in all kinds of action done for the sake of sacrifice. Yoga becomes seva, service.
- ^ Mukundananda, Swami. "BG 3.19: Chapter 3, Verse 19 – Bhagavad Gita, The Song of God – Swami Mukundananda". www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "Seva (Selfless Service) - Institutions - Sikhism - Sikh Missionary Society (U.K.)". www.sikhmissionarysociety.org. Retrieved 7 June 2025.