Sri Ramakrishna, a mystic and teacher from 19th century India, emphasized the importance of selfless service in his teachings. He believed that serving others without any selfish motives is the highest form of spiritual practice.

One of the core principles of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings was the concept of "Narayana Seva" or serving God through serving humanity. He believed that every human being is a manifestation of the divine and serving others is equivalent to serving God. This idea of seeing the divine in every individual led him to stress on the importance of selfless service.

Sri Ramakrishna himself was a living example of selfless service. He dedicated his entire life to the service of others, especially the poor and the needy. He would often say, "The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray." This statement reflects his belief that actions speak louder than words and selfless service is the true path to spiritual growth.

In his teachings, Sri Ramakrishna emphasized that selfless service should be performed without any expectations or desires for personal gain. He believed that true service can only be achieved when it is done with a pure heart and without any attachment to the results. He often gave the example of a mother's love for her child, which is selfless and unconditional. Similarly, he encouraged his followers to serve others with the same selfless love and devotion.

Sri Ramakrishna also believed that serving others is a way to purify one's own mind and heart. By helping others and putting their needs before our own, we can overcome our selfish tendencies and cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy towards others. This, in turn, leads to inner peace and spiritual growth.

Moreover, Sri Ramakrishna's teachings on selfless service also emphasized the idea of "Tyaga" or renunciation. He believed that true service requires sacrifice and letting go of one's own desires and attachments. By practicing selfless service, one can learn to detach oneself from the material world and focus on the spiritual path.

In conclusion, Sri Ramakrishna's teachings emphasized the importance of selfless service as a means to serve God and attain spiritual growth. He believed that true service should be performed with a pure heart, without any expectations, and with the intention of serving others. Through his own actions and teachings, he inspired countless individuals to dedicate their lives to the service of others, and his message continues to inspire people to this day.