SERVICE AS THE SUPREME PRACTICE
So esteemed are generosity and service that some traditions regard them as the essence of spiritual life, the practice upon which all other practices converge. From this perspective, a crucial goal of spiritual life is to equip oneself to serve effectively.
Even the supreme goal of enlightenment is sought, not for oneself alone, but to better serve and enlighten others. Service is not only an expression of awakening, but also a means to awakening.
DEVELOP A GENEROUS HEART
Ramana Maharshi—“All that one gives to others one gives to oneself. If this truth is understood, who will not give to others?”
THE PRINCIPLES FOR CULTIVATING GENEROSITY
- Seek inspiration from others
- Find out how you would like to help
- Develop the right motivation for giving
- Start small
THE YOGA OF AWAKENING SERVICE.
When combined with the right motivation, service is transformed into awakening-service, or what the Hindus call karma yoga. Karma yoga has two aspects, both aimed at changing and purifying motivation.
ACTING FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE.
The first aspect is to do our service and work in the world, not for
ourselves alone, but for a Higher purpose. This purpose might be the good of one’s family or the welfare of the world, but the traditional goal is to express and fulfill the Divine Will. The Bhagavad Gita declares: “Work is holy when the heart of the worker is fixed on the Highest. Action rightly performed brings freedom.”
This idea is not unique to Hinduism. St. Paul, for example, urged, “Do everything for the glory of God.”
EXERCISES IN GENEROSITY AND SERVICE.
- Turn work into service
- Use the power of dedication
- Change pain into compassion
- Practice all-embracing kindness
- Helper’s high, give anonymously
- Take time for awakening service