I recently attended a discourse on Sewa or selfless service by the respected Sadhwi Siddheshwari Devi from the Radha Madhav Society. Here are key points from her discourse.

 

Sewa, or selfless service, is the act of giving to others without expecting anything in return. It is a fundamental aspect of Hindu philosophy and holds significant importance in both religious and social contexts.

 

When we engage in sewa, we not only alleviate the suffering of others but also experience unparalleled joy and fulfillment.

 

The concept of sewa is rooted in the belief that when we see others suffering, we forget our own troubles and are compelled to act in service of those in need. Reaching out to others not only benefits them, but it gives us a sense of purpose and satisfaction that goes beyond our own worries.

 

Law Of Karma

In Hinduism, the principle of Karma dictates that we get what we give. By engaging in acts of charity and service, we create a positive karmic cycle that ensures we receive similar blessings in return. For example, if we feed the hungry in this life, we will always have something to eat and never face food insecurity in our next lives.

 

It's Our Divine Purpose

Hindu scriptures teach us that we are simply human forms meant to serve and do charity for others. Through sewa, we embody the divine qualities of compassion and selflessness, aligning ourselves with the higher purpose of alleviating suffering and spreading love and goodwill in the world.

 

Sewa Can Uplift Us

In times of personal distress or when we are feeling down, engaging in acts of charity and service can serve as a source of fulfillment to raise your mood. By focusing on helping others, we shift our perspective from our own problems to the needs of those around us. We see how small our problems are in comparison to those around us, and suddenly, we don't feel as sad.

In the practice of sewa, Hindus believe that God is the ultimate giver, and we are mere instruments through which divine grace and blessings flow to those in need. So we should never take credit or pride in our sewa, as it is our divine duty and God is the ultimate giver.

 

The Monk and the man

 

A long time ago, there was a man named Keshav. One day, as he was helping the needy, a monk saw that Keshav was keeping his head down, and seemed ashamed to be partaking in selfless service. The monk asked Keshav, “Why do you keep your head down? You are doing a divine duty after all.” To which Keshav replied, “I keep my head down because these people think that I am the one to praise and that I am giving them food, when really God is the ultimate giver as he has blessed me with the ability to do this service. I am embarrassed. Hence I am keeping my head down.”

 

 

I enjoyed listening to the stories by Didiji and learning a lot about Sewa.

 

Didi ji further shared that in Hindu scriptures it’s mentioned that one must donate at least 10% of their income. If one doesn’t then that money gets taken away from you in some other form such as, unexpected expenses, medical bills or even simply losing money.

 

She shared a shlok from the puranas which goes as:

“From the wealth you have earned by rightful means, take out one-tenth, and as a matter of duty, give it away in charity. Dedicate your charity for the pleasure of God.”

 

nyāyopārjita vittasya daśhamānśhena dhīmataḥ

kartavyo viniyogaśhcha īśhvaraprityarthameva cha

 

 

 

I also learned that when we are doing Sewa our intent has to be service to God’s own children . Doing Sewa is a privilege after all.

 

In conclusion, Siddheshwari Devi’s talk on sewa was truly inspiring. She taught us that selfless service, or helping others without expecting anything in return, is a key part of Hindu philosophy. By helping others, we not only make their lives better but also find joy and purpose in our own lives. Through stories and teachings, she showed us that giving creates positive energy and blessings. Sewa is our way of connecting with the divine and fulfilling our duty to humanity, making the world a better place for everyone.

Compiled by Gargi Kelkar

SewaLead