Spirit of service in the terms of philosophy of Sikhism

[Gurminder Singh]

Spirit of service in the terms of philosophy of Sikhism

 

 

Service "Seva"

 

Seva 'service', this may be rendered to the Guru, either in money or kind or duties performed, or it may be directed to ordinary people. In the former case, it is normally focused on the Gurdwara and involve cash donations, contributions of food to the Langar, or such unpaid duties as reading the scripture, cleaning the premises, polishing the shoes of worshippers, or helping in the Langar.   The word can also be given a wider connotation to mean service to the community in the general sense.

 

The word Seva is derived from root word Sev  which literally means to serve, wait or attend upon, honor, or worship. It is usually translated as 'service' or 'serving'. Seva in Sikhism is imperative for spiritual life. It is a means to acquiring the highest merit. The Sikh often prays to god for a chance to render seva. "I am your servant; I beg to serve your humble servants. ⁽¹⁾

 

 In fact, in Sikhism, "Without serving the Guru, there is no devotional worship. ⁽²⁾  Service to the Guru is the most excellent and sublime penance of penances.⁽³⁾  It is a means to acquiring the highest merit. The Sikh often prays to god for a chance to render service. Says Guru Arjun Dev; your servant begs to serve those who are enjoined to your service. ⁽⁴⁾ I am your servant; I beg to serve your humble servants.⁽⁵⁾ According to Guru Amar Das, He who is turned towards the Guru finds repose and joy in Service.

 

Three varieties of service are sanctioned in the Sikh lore: Tan; Man; Dhan.

 

Tan - that rendered through the corporal instrument, "cursed are the hands and feet that engage not in seva"⁽⁶⁾ Gurus sanctify it, they also institutionalized it, e.g. in the service of Langar and in serving the sangat in other ways such as by grinding corn for it, fanning it to soften the rigour of a hot day and drawing water for it.

 

Man- This word is of key importance in Gurmat. It denotes the inner human faculty which combines the heart, mind, and soul of conventional western usage. The way to truth involves the conquest of the man. " Mani jitai jagu jitu" ⁽⁷⁾ 'To conquer the man is to conquer the world'. Seva through the mental apparatus  'man' lies in contributing one's talents – creative, communicative, managerial, etc. – to the corporate welfare of the community and mankind in genera. It also lies in sharing the pain of others. Response to the pain of others is a sine qua non of the membership of the brotherhood of man. That is why the Sikh prayer said in unison ends with a supplication for the welfare of all. Seva of this kind is motivation not by the attitude of compassion alone, but primarily to discover practical avenues for serving god through man.

 

Dhan-   Seva through material means 'dhan' or philanthropy 'daan' was particularly sought to be made  non-personal. The offerings made to the Gurus and daswandh  "tenth part of one's earnings" contributed  by the Sikhs went straight into the common coffers   of the community.  Seva must be so carried out as to dissolve the ego and lead to self-transcendence, which is the ability to acknowledge and respond to that which is other than oneself.   Seva must serve to indicate the way in which such transcendence manifests  in one's responsiveness to the need of others in an impersonal way.

 

In the Sikh way of life, seva is considered the prime duty of householder. Saint Kabeer says, those houses in which neither the holy nor the lord are served – those houses are like cremation grounds; demons dwell within them.⁽⁸⁾  True seva   according to Sikh  scripture must  be without desire of fruit, in humility, with purity of intention, with sincerity and in utter selflessness.   Such seva  for the Sikh  is the doorway to dignity as well as  to liberation. "In the midst of this world, do seva,  and you shall be given a place of honor in the court of the lord says Nanak, swing your arms in joy." ⁽⁹⁾  

 

The Gurus developed spirit of service  among the Sikhs who rendered free labour in digging wells and tanks and contributed money and material.

 

 

Note:

1. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 802
2. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 1013
3. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 423
4. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 43
5. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 802
6. Bhai Gurdas Ji, Varan, 27.1
7. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 6
8. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 1374
9. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, P. 26