Seva is a Sanskrit word that means selfless service. It is often translated as “volunteering” or “community service.” At its core, seva is about helping others without expecting anything in return. It is an act of pure generosity that can be performed anytime, anywhere. When we put the needs of others before our own, we are reminded of our interconnectedness and our shared humanity. We are forced to confront how we see our self-importance and realize that we are not as special or unique as we thought we were. When we serve others, we are not only helping them—we are also helping ourselves by developing our capacity for compassion and empathy.
The practice of seva is a cornerstone of many spiritual traditions. But it is not just a religious practice; it is also an incredibly powerful way to develop humility and to see beyond our ego. For those who follow the path of seva, humility and compassion are paramount virtues. The ego is seen as a barrier to true spiritual growth, and service to others is seen to move beyond the ego. When we engage in selfless service, we let go of our own needs and desires and focus instead on meeting the needs of others. In the process, we learn to see beyond our limited sense of self and come to understand the interconnectedness of all beings.
Seva can take many forms, from volunteering at a local soup kitchen to simply lending a listening ear to a friend in need. No act of seva is too small; each one provides an opportunity to develop humility and compassion and is always an opportunity to connect with others and make the world a little bit better place. As we open our hearts in seva, we begin to see the world through new eyes and come into closer alignment with our highest selves.
In a world that is increasingly selfish and materialistic, seva provides a much-needed counterbalance. It helps us to remember what is truly important in life and to focus on the things that really matter. When we perform seva, we are making a commitment to kindness, compassion, and altruism. We are saying that we care about others and that we are willing to help them, even if there is nothing in it for us.