What is Seva?

What is Seva?

Definitions and Principles of Seva

Volunteering or Seva as its called in the Sikh community, is performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. The person performing this service is called a Sevadaar.

All Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) to perform Seva or Selfless Service. This is not only good for community relations but also is good for the moral uplifting of the person. You will find Sikhs engaged in free service in Gurdwaras washing dishes, cleaning the floors, serving food, etc.

Sikhs are also encouraged to help the community by performing unpaid work in hospitals, ‘old peoples’ homes, community centres, etc. Volunteers engaged in Seva are referred to as Sevadaars and for many people this activity forms an essential part of their life, providing spiritual fulfillment and practical benefits.

Sikhism is founded on principles of Sarbat da bhalla – working towards the “common good of all”. For Sikhs, this means reaching out to serve and uplift all of humanity as an expression or devotion to the Creator. Many other Sikh institutes, such as Guru-ka-Langar, Kirtan, Paath, etc., depend on the performance of Seva by many in the congregation. So the principles of Seva underpin many Sikh values – such is the importance given to Seva in Sikhism.

Some principles of Seva

• Seva benefits the community and the volunteer;
• Seva work is unpaid;
• Seva is always a matter of choice;
• Seva is a legitimate way in which citizens can participate in the activities of their community;
• Seva is a method for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs;
• Seva is an activity performed in the not for profit sector only;
• Seva respects the rights, dignity and culture of others; and
• Seva promotes human rights and equality