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What is the role of service or seva in Sant Mat?
In Sant Mat, service or seva is considered an essential aspect of one's spiritual journey. It is seen as a means to express one's love and gratitude towards the divine and to serve others selflessly. Seva is not just limited to physical acts of service, but also includes acts of kindness, compassion, and selfless love towards all beings.
The concept of seva in Sant Mat is rooted in the belief that all beings are interconnected and that by serving others, we are ultimately serving the divine. It is believed that through seva, one can purify their mind and heart, and ultimately, attain spiritual liberation. As the spiritual teacher, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji, once said, "Service is the key to open the gates of heaven."
There are various forms of seva in Sant Mat, such as serving in community kitchens, providing medical aid to the sick, helping the poor and needy, and participating in environmental conservation efforts. However, the most important form of seva is seen as the inner seva, which involves selfless service towards others without any expectation of reward or recognition.
The practice of seva also helps in developing qualities such as humility, compassion, and selflessness, which are essential for spiritual growth. It helps individuals to overcome their ego and develop a sense of unity and oneness with all beings. As the spiritual teacher, Sant Darshan Singh Ji, said, "Seva is the means to annihilate the ego and awaken the soul."
In Sant Mat, seva is also seen as a way to express one's gratitude for all the blessings and grace received from the divine. It is believed that through seva, one can earn the grace of the divine and progress on their spiritual journey. As the spiritual teacher, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji, said, "Seva is the currency of love that we offer to the divine."
Furthermore, seva is not just seen as a duty towards the divine or others, but also as a means to improve oneself. By serving others, one can learn valuable lessons and develop virtues such as patience, tolerance, and forgiveness. It also helps in cultivating a sense of detachment from material possessions and desires, which are seen as obstacles on the spiritual path.
In conclusion, seva plays a significant role in Sant Mat as it is seen as a means to express love and gratitude towards the divine, serve others selflessly, and ultimately, progress on the spiritual journey. It is a practice that not only benefits others but also helps in the spiritual growth and development of the individual. As the spiritual teacher, Sant Baljit Singh Ji, said, "Seva is the highest form of meditation that brings us closer to the divine."