seva

Seva is a Sanskrit term traditionally translated as selfless service. It denotes actions undertaken to help others, the community, or a higher spiritual ideal, without the expectation of personal reward or recognition. In many Indian religious traditions, seva is viewed as a practice that purifies the mind and fosters humility, compassion, and social responsibility. The concept often encompasses both service to the divine and service to fellow human beings.

In Hinduism, seva is encouraged as a path to spiritual growth and ethical living. It can include service to deities in temples, hospitality to guests, care for the sick, and charitable activities. The form and scope of seva vary across communities, but the underlying emphasis is on acting out of concern for others rather than for personal gain. In Jainism and related traditions, acts of service and compassion toward all beings are similarly valued as expressions of moral and spiritual discipline.

In Sikhism, seva is a central and explicitly emphasized practice. It is considered essential for personal spiritual development and for the welfare of society. Seva in Sikh practice manifests in activities such as volunteering in gurdwaras, including the free kitchen known as langar, as well as broader charitable and community service. The idea is to serve others as a way of serving God, with humility and without attachment to outcomes.

Forms of seva range from physical labor and caregiving to organizational work, education, and disaster relief. While intentions matter, not every benevolent act is labeled as seva; the term implies selflessness and a conscious commitment to benefiting others without selfish aspiration.