Seva
The motives that inspire human beings to do an act of seva have been varied and many. The feeling of compassion, feeling of humanity, and sympathy are usually mentioned as reasons why human beings do seva.
The cardinal principle is that God is residing in all beings human, animal, bird, plant or inanimate.
The same God who is present in me is also present in other human beings. Therefore serving another human being or a being is serving God. Doing seva is to worship God and to work for one's salvation and ultimate eternal happiness
What is the best kind of Seva?
The best kind of seva is one that is done without the expectation of any reward, return, name or fame, one that does not destroy the self respect and confidence of sentiments of the beneficiary, the one that helps a beneficiary to help himself.
To what extent seva?
The cardinal principle is that God is residing in all beings human, animal, bird, plant or inanimate.
The same God who is present in me is also present in other human beings. Therefore serving another human being or a being is serving God. Doing seva is to worship God and to work for one's salvation and ultimate eternal happiness
What is the best kind of Seva?
The best kind of seva is one that is done without the expectation of any reward, return, name or fame, one that does not destroy the self respect and confidence of sentiments of the beneficiary, the one that helps a beneficiary to help himself.
To what extent seva?
Shatahasta Samahara, Sahasrahasta Sankira
"Earn with hundreds of hands,and distribute with thousands" (Atharvaved 3 -24-5)
It is also said, in relation to charity,
"To live is to give. Give as long as you live". Seva is a thus a continuous life long process.
SOURCE: http://www.nhsf.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=186
"Earn with hundreds of hands,and distribute with thousands" (Atharvaved 3 -24-5)
It is also said, in relation to charity,
"To live is to give. Give as long as you live". Seva is a thus a continuous life long process.
SOURCE: http://www.nhsf.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=186
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Swami Vivekananda's letter to Akhandananda
My Dear Akhandananda,
Go on working at top speed. Never fear! I, too, have determined to work. The body must go, no mistake about that. Why then let it go in idleness? It is better to wear out than rust out. Don't be anxious even when I die, my very bones will work miracles. We must spread over the whole of India in ten years, short of this it is no good. To work like an athlete! Victory to the Guru! Money and all will come of themselves, we want men, not money. It is man that makes everything, what can money do? — Men we want, the more you get, the better.
- Swami Vivekananda 30th July, 1897. The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 6/Epistles - Second Series/CXXXII Akhandananda
