Seva

Seva - Introduction

Seva - Service

Let Us Work To Help The Beings Of This Earth

Swamiji conducting free food distribution in 1993

"There is much work to be done in this world. Let us be active. Let's not talk too much and let us do something! When we do good to our world it can only become a better place. We will make others happy and we ourselves will feel satisfied and inspired to do different kinds of good works. Let us get together and work to help the beings of this earth. Colour, name, class, country and religion are not factors that are important when giving service. We must do service to all beings who are in need. It does not matter if it is a large or small help. Every small service counts and if many people give a little help, a lot of work can be done. See how little money one needs to look after just one child in India for one month. It is service to humanity to take care of children in need.

To help the needy is service for all humanity and even for oneself. We help others so that they may get relief from their diseases, to develop to a higher stage in life and to change themselves into better human beings. In this way human beings can truly live like humans. We undertake this effort to help people to live happily. At the same time, by giving selfless service, we get peace of mind, courage and self-confidence. Service should be done selflessly, with love, humbleness, without pride, in a simple way and patiently. In order to do so we have to change our negative qualities into these required virtues without expecting anything in return.

I pray to the Divine that all human beings may understand the value of helping each other, of feeling for others, of being united, humble and content and to have the power to carry out selfless service."

Swami Premananda