Sevā

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Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists Template:Sikhism sidebar Template:Sikh practices Template:Transliteration (also known as Template:Transliteration, 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 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"'.[1] Langar and Bhandara are some of the most common forms of seva seen in Sikhism and Hinduism respectively.[2][3][4]

In Hinduism, seva is also called karma yoga, as described in the Bhagavad Gita.[5]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."[6]

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.[7]

Etymology and religious significance

Template:Transliteration comes from the Sanskrit root Template:Transliteration, "to serve", and is a central concept in both contemporary Hinduism and Sikhism.[8]

In Hinduism, Template:Transliteration means selfless service and is often associated with Template:Transliteration (disciplined action) and Template:Transliteration (disciplined devotion). Template:Transliteration is also connected to other Sanskrit concepts, such as Template:Transliteration (gift giving), Template:Transliteration (compassion), and Template:Transliteration (love/affection).[9] Template:Transliteration is also performed as a form of ego-transcending spiritual practice known as Template:Transliteration, and plays a large role in modern Hinduism.[10]Template:Rp A key concept in Hinduism is Template:Transliteration, which is liberation from the cycle of births and death known as Template:Transliteration. Sādhanā is the effort one makes to strive for liberation, which highlights the importance of service to others.Template:R

In Sikhism, the word Template:Transliteration 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 Template:Transliteration (service and worship) have been merged. Template:Transliteration is expected to be a labour of love performed with humility and without desire and intention.[11]

Template:Transliteration (Gurmukhi: Script error: No such module "Lang".), from the Sanskrit words Template:Transliteration, meaning hands or work, and Template:Transliteration, meaning service,[12][13] another concept of Sikhism, is often translated as "voluntary labor". A volunteer for Template:Transliteration is called a Template:Transliteration (voluntary laborer)—someone who freely offers their services to a religious cause.[14] Sikhs use the term Template:Transliteration to refer to people who engage in ministrations, altruistic philanthropy, and humanitarian endeavors in service to religion and society. Template:Transliteration (Template:Langx; also transcribed as Template:Transliteration), literally "Template:Transliteration-supporter", is another Punjabi word for a volunteer who performs Template:Transliteration.[15]

The idea of selfless service (Template:Transliteration) is an important concept because serving other people is considered an essential devotional practice of indirectly serving God and living a religious life that is a benefit to others.[16] The motivation behind seva is serving God through serving humanity.[17] Ultimately, seva can even be integrated into aspects of life, such as public health, to foster social cohesion and enhance interventions.[18]

Template:Transliteration in Hinduism

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In Hinduism, Template:Transliteration is the concept of service to God and/or humanity, performed without any expectation of personal gain. According to Hindu scriptures, Template:Transliteration is seen as a form of Template:Transliteration (righteousness). Template:Transliteration has been said to provide good Template:Transliteration, which facilitates the Template:Transliteration (soul) to obtain Template:Transliteration (emancipation from the cycle of death and rebirth).[19]

Before the early nineteenth century, the meaning of Template:Transliteration (serving or honoring) had been virtually synonymous with Template:Transliteration (worship), which typically also included distribution of Template:Transliteration (sacrificial offerings), such as food, fruits, and sweets to all gathered.[20] Thus, Template:Transliteration typically involved the offering of food to a deity and its Template:Transliteration (idol), followed by the distribution of that food as Template:Transliteration.[21]

The concept of Template:Transliteration and Template:Transliteration 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.[22]

Template:Transliteration in Sikhism

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Template:Transliteration in Sikhism takes three forms: Template:Transliteration (Gurmukhi: Script error: No such module "Lang".), meaning physical service, i.e. manual labour, Template:Transliteration (Gurmukhi: Script error: No such module "Lang".), meaning mental service, such as studying to help others, and Template:Transliteration (Gurmukhi: Script error: No such module "Lang".), meaning material service, including financial support.[23] Sikhism stresses Template:Transliteration (Gurmukhi: Script error: No such module "Lang".), "honest work", and Template:Transliteration (Gurmukhi: Script error: No such module "Lang".), "split up", sharing what you have by giving to the needy for the benefit of the community.[24] It is a duty of every Sikh to engage in Template:Transliteration wherever possible, such as volunteering at a Gurdwara, community center, senior living center, care center, a disaster site, etc.[25] Template:Transliteration 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.[26]

Template:Transliteration 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."Template:Fragment[27] Template:Transliteration is believed to be a way to control inner vices and is a key process in becoming closer to God.[28]

Criticism

File:Kar Sewa appeal for the construction of the clock tower gateway entrance to the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, ca.1951.jpg
Kar Sewa appeal for the construction of the clock tower gateway entrance to the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, Template:Circa

Some Template:Transliteration 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.[29] Numerous historical Sikh scriptural manuscripts have been systematically "cremated" (burnt to destruction)[30] over the years at secretive ‘Angitha Sahib’ gurdwaras[31] in Dehradun and around India as part of Template:Transliteration.[32] 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.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Benefits Of Seva

Religion, as explained by the philosophy of Jordan Peterson, possesses the innate power to motivate and inspire the masses.[33] This is especially evident through seva when religion becomes intertwined with critical issues and the preservation of nature.[33] For example, there are many Hindu faith-based organizations that have social projects where seva becomes a form of engagement with different organizations.[34]

Here are examples of seva that has had a lasting impact on society.

  • Golden Temple, Amritsar[35]
    • World's largest free kitchen serving over 100,000 meals daily
  • Ramakrishna Math and Mission Temples[36]
    • Disaster relief programs
    • School kit distributions
    • Hostels
    • Medical relief
  • Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee[37]
    • Medical services
    • Educational institutes
    • Serving food
  • BAPS Mandirs[38]
    • Annual walkathons with donations to organizations
    • Community cleanups
    • Blood drives
    • Disaster relief
    • Health fairs

Ultimately, seva allows devotees to extend beyond outward religious symbols, and commit to values and teachings.[33] It is rooted in the belief that the value of community and equal treatment of all individuals as part of the same human family.[33] As one can see above, there are a variety of different ways that people can do seva. Commitment to seva not only embodies religious values but also establishes a better connection to a broader purpose but also shows the necessity of upholding selflessness, holistic well-being, and adherence to guiding principles.[33] Furthermore, seva is viewed as having transcendental benefits for the self.[34]



See also

References

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  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
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  20. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  27. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  30. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  31. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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