Seva or Community Service

Seva is an essential ritual for one's moral upliftment and spiritual upbringing. In the pic, volunteers are seen performing Seva by making Roti (Indian Bread) for Langar (Community Kitchen) at a religious place in India. Seva is selfless service for community without expectations of any kind of reward. It is a mandatory part of community service. While there are various forms of Seva like tan (using one's hands, feet or body), man (mind, talent or prayer) and dhan (money, property or gold etc.). However, Seva by tan is considered as the supreme form of community service. Lakhs of devotees visit religious places for mental peace and spiritual strength. They pay their respect to the almighty and leave. However, very few are fortunate to get  an opportunuty to do Seva and spend their time and energy for the community. In a langar, varied type of Seva opportunities are available. These include activities like cooking of food (vegetable or dal (cereal)), preparation of rotis or rice, cleaning and arranging space where people have food, distribution of utensils, cooked food or water, cleaning or washing of utensils like plate, glass or spoon etc. Engaging in each activity is filled with a Sense of Giving which in return gives no rewards, but, immense satisfaction, spiritual security, mental peace and love for human beings. Seva can be performed irrespective of caste, creed and status.  It can be organised anywhere and anytime. Many celebrate occasions like birthdays, marriage annivesary etc. engaging in Seva at a religious place or organising similar community service on their own.