Here is an interesting article on the topic of Seva which I think makes you think. I’m sure most of us are aware of the situation, however it puts things in perspective and hopefully will make us all think deeper about our motivations for doing Seva.
by T. SHER SINGH www.sikhchic.com
I have noticed that the concept of seva - loosely translated as "selfless, voluntary service" - is nowadays increasingly wielded as a weapon and less as what it is meant to be.
The other day, when a community volunteer was asked why she repeatedly failed to do what she had undertaken to do, why she hadn’t met her obligations fully or in a timely fashion, I was flabbergasted by the response I overheard:
"I do seva, bhenji", she protested. "I’m not getting paid for this. I spend so many hours here, while I could easily be doing something else. I don’t have to listen to this nonsense: if you don’t want me here, say so, and I’m gone!"
It was a deft use of the very essence of seva. As a shield - a shield from criticism and from accountability.
On another occasion, I heard a fellow wield the word somewhat differently, but equally effectively.
He was addressing members of a community group. "I’m the one who can run this organization and ensure that it stays alive. I’ve done seva for three years … day and night, and weekends too. And haven’t taken a single cent for my time. How can you even think that another person should come over and run it. Others will simply run it to the ground. And, you know, I’m not going to let you do this. I’m not going to let you turn all my seva into nought!"
I felt, as I watched him through this performance, that he was wielding his seva quite deftly… as a weapon. A sword, actually. The parry and thrust was working: you could see it in the wounded look in the eyes of the audience.
Is this what seva is all about?
Continue reading ‘Neither a Shield, Nor a Sword’
Get MrSikhNet by Email
