Selfless Service

Seva is selfless service performed without desire for reward, a foundational discipline of Sikhism and a value shared across the Indian religions. In Sikh teaching it is not an optional good work but a core practice of the spiritual life, the outward complement to the inward remembrance of the Name. Service is understood to purify the ego, the haumai or self-centredness that Sikh doctrine identifies as the root of human separation from God; by giving labour, wealth or attention to others and to the community without seeking gain or recognition, the server is gradually emptied of the very self-regard that binds them.

The tradition distinguishes forms of service, the service of the body, offered as physical labour; the service of the mind, offered as attention and study; and the service of material means, offered as wealth shared. All are directed to the sangat, the congregation, and to humanity at large, and all are held to be worship when done in the right spirit.