Selfless Service

Definition

Selfless service, or 'seva,' refers to acts of service performed without any expectation of reward or personal gain. It emphasizes the importance of helping others purely for the sake of compassion and altruism. This concept is central to various Hindu reform movements in the 19th and 20th centuries, as it advocates for social responsibility and humanitarian action, aligning personal spiritual growth with the welfare of society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Selfless service became a key focus for reformers like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, who believed in combining spirituality with social activism.
2. The idea encourages individuals to engage in community service, addressing social issues such as poverty, education, and health.
3. Selfless service is viewed as a way to transcend the ego and develop a sense of unity with all living beings.
4. Many Hindu reform movements emphasized the importance of service to the marginalized and oppressed as a form of worship and devotion.
5. Participating in selfless service is believed to lead to spiritual purification and enlightenment, as it fosters compassion and empathy.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of selfless service influence Hindu reform movements in the 19th century?
  • The concept of selfless service greatly influenced Hindu reform movements by encouraging leaders like Gandhi and Vivekananda to integrate social activism into their spiritual teachings. They advocated that true spirituality involves serving others, especially the marginalized. This shift prompted many followers to take an active role in addressing societal issues while nurturing their spiritual development.
• Discuss how selfless service can be seen as a bridge between personal spirituality and social responsibility.
  • Selfless service acts as a bridge between personal spirituality and social responsibility by emphasizing that helping others is an essential aspect of spiritual growth. When individuals engage in seva, they not only improve the lives of others but also cultivate compassion, empathy, and humility within themselves. This interconnectedness fosters a holistic approach to spirituality that values both individual well-being and collective welfare.
• Evaluate the impact of selfless service on contemporary Hindu practices and its relevance today.
  • Selfless service continues to have a significant impact on contemporary Hindu practices by inspiring numerous organizations dedicated to social work, education, and health initiatives. In today's global context, where social inequalities persist, the principle of seva remains highly relevant. It encourages individuals to actively participate in their communities, promoting harmony and understanding while nurturing a sense of global citizenship rooted in compassion.

Related terms

Seva: A Sanskrit term meaning selfless service, often used in the context of serving others without expecting anything in return.

Karma Yoga:

A path in Hindu philosophy that emphasizes performing one's duty without attachment to the results, closely related to the concept of selfless service.

Ramakrishna Mission:

An organization founded by Swami Vivekananda that promotes selfless service as a means to uplift society and foster spiritual growth.