Sikhism is an action-oriented, life-centered, and welfare-based religion, in which the concept of seva (selfless service) holds a central place. Seva is not limited to a single religious ritual or practice; rather, it is the very soul of Sikh philosophy. According to Gurbani, the purpose of human life is not only to worship God but also to serve humanity. In Sikhism, seva is closely associated with the values of humility, equality, compassion, and selflessness.
Meaning and Essence of Seva
The word seva is derived from the Sanskrit root “sev,” which means to serve others selflessly. In Sikhism, seva means:
•Serving without any desire for reward
•Serving without ego
•Serving all with a sense of equality
•Contributing to the welfare of society and creation through mind, body, and wealth
Gurbani describes seva as the path to liberation:
“ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ।
ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ॥”
(ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਅੰਗ 286)
This verse clearly shows that selfless service connects a person to God.
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Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Concept of Seva
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, made seva an essential part of religious life. His famous principle:
“ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ, ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ”
gives a comprehensive form to the concept of seva. “Vand Chhako” does not only mean sharing wealth, but also sharing time, energy, and support.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized human equality, stating that no one is superior or inferior based on caste, religion, gender, or wealth. Therefore, seva is for everyone and by everyone.
Seva in Gurbani
Sri Guru Granth Sahib contains many teachings about seva. It is described as the cure for ego:
“ਹਉਮੈ ਦੀਰਘ ਰੋਗੁ ਹੈ ਦਾਰੂ ਭੀ ਇਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ॥”
(ਅੰਗ 466)
One of the greatest cures for ego is seva. According to Gurbani, a person who serves others abandons the sense of “I” and “mine.”
Three Forms of Seva: Body, Mind, and Wealth
In Sikhism, seva is practiced in three main forms:
1. Physical Service (ਤਨ ਸੇਵਾ)
This refers to service through physical effort, such as cooking langar, cleaning the Gurdwara, serving food, offering water, or helping the needy. Through this, a person learns humility and discipline.
2. Mental Service (ਮਨ ਸੇਵਾ)
This involves service through thoughts and emotions, such as thinking positively about others, empathizing with the suffering, giving guidance, and sincerely praying for others.
3. Financial Service (ਧਨ ਸੇਵਾ)
This means donating a portion of one’s honest earnings for the welfare of society. According to Sikh teachings, financial service is meaningful only when done selflessly.
The Langar System: A Living Symbol of Seva
The langar system is one of the most famous and unique examples of seva in Sikhism. Started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and organized by Guru Angad Dev Ji and Guru Amar Das Ji, it represents equality and selfless service.
Guru Amar Das Ji declared:
“ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਪੰਗਤ, ਫਿਰ ਸੰਗਤ।”
In langar, rich and poor, high and low, people of all castes and religions sit together and eat the same food. This reflects equality, service, and humanity.
Seva in Sikh History
Sikh history is filled with inspiring examples of seva:
•Bhai Kanhaiya Ji served water even to wounded enemy soldiers on the battlefield.
•Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect religious freedom and human rights.
•Guru Gobind Singh Ji united service, meditation, and martyrdom through the Khalsa Panth.
Seva and Social Responsibility
In Sikhism, seva is not limited to the walls of the Gurdwara. Serving during times of injustice, poverty, illiteracy, illness, and disasters is a fundamental Sikh duty. Today, Sikh organizations worldwide provide disaster relief, medical camps, education, and hunger relief.
Seva in the Modern World
In today’s materialistic age, where selfishness dominates, the Sikh concept of seva acts as a guiding light for humanity. Seva elevates a person not only spiritually, but also morally and socially.
Conclusion
In Sikhism, seva is not a separate activity but the very essence of religious life. Through seva, a person overcomes ego, embraces equality, and connects with God. According to Sikh philosophy, the one who truly serves others is the one who is truly religious.
In the end, the Sikh concept of seva delivers a universal message to humanity:
ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ
(Welfare of all)
By Gurpreet Singh, Editor, Khalsa Akhbar
