Seva
Seva (or Sewa) in Sikhism refers to selfless service—acts of kindness and work performed without any expectation of reward, recognition, or personal gain. It is a fundamental concept and spiritual practice deeply embedded in Sikh philosophy and daily life.
Core Meaning of Seva
In Sikhism, Seva is a way of expressing love, humility, and devotion to God by serving humanity. It is considered a means of spiritual growth and a key way to overcome ego (haumai), which is seen as one of the main barriers to union with the Divine.
Types of Seva
Sikhs traditionally recognize three broad categories of Seva:
- Tan (Physical Service):
- Manual labor or physical work such as cooking, cleaning, serving food (e.g., in a langar), building community infrastructure, or helping in disaster relief.
- Example: Cleaning the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), preparing food in the communal kitchen.
- Man (Mental Service):
- Using one’s mind and intellect for teaching, counseling, or guiding others, such as educating youth, reciting Gurbani (scripture), or offering professional skills for a cause.
- Example: Teaching Punjabi or Sikh history in community classes.
- Dhan (Material/Financial Service):
- Donating money or material resources to help others or support religious and charitable causes.
- Example: Funding hospitals, schools, or humanitarian relief through Sikh organizations.
Scriptural Basis
The Sikh scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib, place great emphasis on Seva. For instance:
“One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain liberation.”
— Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 286
Seva is not just a charitable act; it is a form of worship, a way to connect with the Divine (Waheguru) and practice equality, compassion, and humility.
Seva and Langar
One of the most visible expressions of Seva is the Langar, the free community kitchen found in every Gurdwara. Volunteers of all backgrounds prepare, serve, and clean up after meals offered to anyone, regardless of caste, religion, or status. Langar embodies the principles of equality, community service, and humility.
Contemporary Practice
Seva continues to be central in modern Sikh life, with Sikhs globally engaging in:
- Humanitarian aid during natural disasters
- Homeless food drives
- Blood donation camps
- Refugee support efforts
- COVID-19 pandemic relief
Sikh organizations like Khalsa Aid, United Sikhs, and many local Gurdwaras are known for organizing and participating in Seva worldwide.