Those seeking to lead a spiritual life, or just wondering how to become more spiritual may become inspired towards serving others, or giving Seva (selfless service).
One might be left wondering, "Is service to humanity a higher means to make a donation - or should I simply donate to charity? What are the best charities to donate to, or to serve? How does Seva support my spiritual development? Is there spiritual power and spiritual transformation to be gained through it?"
In the book "Right Understanding To Help Others: Benevolence", Gnani Purush (embodiment of Self knowledge) Dada Bhagwan offers precise understanding about people helping others and the many benefits Seva has upon one's spiritual growth.
Dadashri explains that happiness begins from the moment one begins serving others and in offering Seva, one's life will never lack for material comfort and happiness.
Excerpt:
The Special Importance of this Human Life
Questioner: What should a person do in order to not waste his human life?
Dadashri: Just by continuous inner contemplation of, 'Let this precious human life not go to waste,' one will have fulfilled the goal of his life. Instead of worrying about this, people worry about money. You do not have any control over your efforts, but you do have control over doing deep inner intent(bhaav). Any effort made is under the control of another entity. However, it is your inner intent (bhaav) that will bring results. In reality, even your inner intent (bhaav) is not under your control, but if you 'do' the intent, then there will be a result.
Questioner: What is so important about human life?
Dadashri: The purpose of the human life is service to others. The life of the people of India is for attaining liberation through the knowledge of the Self (absolutism). For everyone else, the purpose of life is to be of service to others (paropkar). Service to others means that you use your mind, your speech and your actions for others. One serves others through the medium of the mind, speech and body. One may ask what is to become of him if he serves others in this way. What will he be left with?
Questioner: He is going to benefit for sure!
Dadashri: Yes, but people believe that they will lose whatever they have if they give it away.
Questioner: People of a lower level of thinking would believe that.
Dadashri: The one with an elevated level believes that donations should be made to others.
Life is Meant for Helping Others
Life is meant for practicing benevolence and serving others. The deepest science behind this is that when one uses his mind, speech and body for serving others, he will have everything. What if you were to charge a fee for your services?
Questioner: It would create difficulties.
Dadashri: They charge a fee in the courthouses. When they charge for their services, the laws of benevolence towards others are not applicable for them.
Questioner: But a person has to make a living, surely.
Dadashri: Do not think about your daily needs at all. You will not encounter any obstacles in your life if you Help Others in any way. People do not understand the science behind this. When a person begins to serve others with only half the understanding, he is rewarded with a contrary result and, therefore, he loses faith in serving others. If one were to serve others now (in this lifetime), he will reap the rewards of that service within two or three lifetimes. This is the very 'Science.'
Helping Others without Judgment or Conditions
Questioner: People serve others because it is a good thing to do and they even tell the people they are helping that it is for their benefit. But what should one do if those people are not willing to accept the fact that it is for their own good?
Dadashri: It is like this: The one who is truly serving others is not concerned with whether or not these people understand that it is for their own good. If he were, then he would become judgmental. Therefore, one should not look for understanding from others.
This mango tree here has so many fruits on it, yet how much of its own fruit does the tree itself enjoy?
Questioner: Not even a single one.
Dadashri: Then who are the fruits for?
Questioner: They are all for others.
Dadashri: Yes. Does the tree take into consideration whether a person enjoying its fruit is kind or unkind? For the tree, the fruit belongs to whoever takes it; its life is lived for serving others. By living in this manner, such living entities, like the tree, gradually progress to a higher life form.
Questioner: But people often bite the hand that feeds.
Dadashri: Yes, that is how it is. Even the benevolent are rewarded with ingratitude!
Questioner: It is because people do not understand.
Dadashri: Where can one obtain such an understanding? If one had such an understanding, then his work would be done!
The act of benevolence is the highest of all human activity. Benevolence and helping others is the goal of human life.