Sevā

(also known as , Sanskrit: सेवा) is the concept of performing selfless service without expecting any reward. It holds significance in both Hinduism and Sikhism. Sevā is a Sanskrit term meaning 'selfless and meaningful service'. Such services are performed to benefit other human beings or society; however, a more recent interpretation of the word is a service which shows "dedication to others". Langar and Bhandara are some of the most common forms of seva seen in Sikhism and Hinduism respectively.

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, seva is an act of service to Waheguru (Supreme God), and it is a way to become closer to Waheguru. The principles of seva underpin many Sikh values and are emphasized numerous times in the Guru Granth Sahib. The scripture focuses on the mindset when practicing seva, the spiritual benefits of doing seva, and how one should perform it.

Etymology and Religious Significance

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 ego-transcending spiritual practice known as , and plays a large role in modern Hinduism. A key concept in Hinduism is from the cycle of births and and 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: ), 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 word for a volunteer who performs .

The idea of selfless service () is an important concept in several religions because God is perceived as having an interest in the well-being of others; serving other people is considered an essential devotional practice of indirectly serving God and living a religious life that is a benefit to others. People of every religion are included in this service.

in Hinduism

In Hinduism, is the concept of service to God and/or humanity, performed without any expectation of personal gain. According to Hindu scriptures, is seen as the highest form of (righteousness). has been said to provide good , which facilitates the (soul) to obtain (emancipation from the cycle of death and rebirth).

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

in Sikhism takes three forms: (Gurmukhi: ), meaning physical service, i.e. manual labour, (Gurmukhi: ), meaning mental service, such as studying to help others, and (Gurmukhi: ), meaning material service, including financial support. Sikhism stresses (Gurmukhi: ), "honest work", and (Gurmukhi: ), "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 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 and is a key process in becoming closer to God.

Criticism

Some groups and organizations have been criticized for their lack of care for and apathy towards preserving Sikh historical sites, artwork, and architecture during renovation and construction projects. Numerous historical Sikh scriptural manuscripts have been systematically "cremated" (burnt to destruction) over the years at secretive ''‘Angitha Sahib’'' gurdwaras in Dehradun and around India as part of . The logic behind these crematoriums is the Sikh philosophy handed down by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh that Guru Granth Sahib is the living embodiment of a Guru, and so Sikh funeral rites are carried out. This practice is heavily criticized for systematically destroying historical manuscripts.

See also

* Sewapanthi
* Community Service in Different Religions:
** Bhandara (community kitchen)
** Dakshina
** Punya (Hinduism)
** Sadaqah (Islam)
** Tikkun olam ('repairing of the world' concept in Judaism)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Seva (Indian religions)
Sikh practices
Sikh philosophy
Sanskrit words and phrases
Hindu practices
Vishva Hindu Parishad
October observances
International observances
Volunteering in India
Alms
Telugu words and phrases
Alms in Hinduism