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Seva & Service
When we practice Kundalini Yoga, we open ourselves to tap our inner power. As we begin to realize our total human potential, the question comes: what do I do with all this energy and creativity? In order to achieve the highest state of consciousness, the answer is simple. Use that energy and creativity on behalf of others. Give without asking. Serve without reward. Uplift and inspire those who are downtrodden. Take the cosmic power of the Kundalini and become a Divine channel to serve others.
“Seva or service is infinite giving. Service is not finite giving. If you do some service and say, 'I served,' then you have totally missed the point. Service is when you feel honored by doing something. You don't feel honor in the company of many. You feel it within your own self. That is service.
Seva is when your inside is honored, when you honor yourself. When I am honored in my consciousness for doing something, it is seva. When I stand before my consciousness, I feel good, and I say, ‘Well, I am so blessed that I could do it.’ That's seva.”
–Yogi Bhajan, 7/22/78
This tradition of selfless service is called “seva.” Seva can take on many forms. It can take on the form of Karma Yoga, where we clean a common sacred space, or cook food for others. Seva can be talking with someone who is in despair. Listening to them, being supportive, and allowing your presence to help ease the pain. The common denominator is that the focus is on someone or something outside of yourself. It is a service that needs nothing in return, not even acknowledgement.
“We have to become reservoirs of energy. Our words, our sight, our presence should be in a position to change the frequency of a person who needs the jump-start. Do it with words, with touch, with sight and with prayer. It’s the same thing. It doesn’t matter what condition you are in. But it does matter how precise and clear you are to lift up the other person.”
–Yogi Bhajan, 6/22/01
Langar: Sharing Food with Others