[A SLUM SEEN FROM BHARAT]
Our Philosophy

[A SLUM SEEN FROM BHARAT]

The words of Sant Tulsidas "Lord Sri Ram pervades the whole world" ("Siyaramamay sab jag jani") may be said to express in a nutshell the essence of the philosophy of Seva. Seva is not mere compassion or charity towards another; it is no less than worship of the Lord. Nar-Seva is Narayan-Seva. This is the refrain of all our saints and philosophers.


Rantideva's words are well known:

Na twahamkamaye rajyam
na swargam napunarbhavam
kamaye duhkha-taptanam
praninam artinashanam

("I desire neither kingdom nor heaven: nor do I desire salvation for myself. My only desire is to put an end to the travails of those who are afflicted with misery.")
These words incorporate the basic attitude of Seva in a touching manner. Save Vyasa goes a step further:

Ashtadasha-puraneshu
vyasasya vachana-dwayam
paropakarah punyaya
papaya parapeedanam

("The burden of all the eighteen puranas of Vyasa is summarised in these two expressions: by serving others one accrues merit; by harming others one attacts perdition.")

The same sentiment is lyrically expressed by Sant Kabir:

Sant kasht sahi aapu hee
sukhee karai ju sameep
Aap jare tau aur ko
kare ujeron deep


("The saints make the miseries of the world their own, but spread joy to whoever approaches them. By itself burning, the lamp disseminates light all around.")

Harmony and creativity spring from this approach to Seva. Persons in distress and communities which have remained backward need love and compassion rather than mere charity. Distortions like untouchability are more likely to be removed through harmony and love than through confrontation.

Swami Vivekananda exhorted us to look upon all our fellow-beings-be they poor or illiterate, scavengers or sweepers - as our own brothers, sharing our blood. Society for him was the visible manifestation of God. He says:

"Where should you go to seek God? Are not all the poor, the miserable, the weak, gods? Why not worship them first?"

"Remember that the Nation lives in the cottage. The peasant, the shoemaker, the sweeper, and such 'lower' classes have much greater capacity for work and self-reliance than you."."

"Look upon every man, woman and everyone as God. You cannot help anyone; you can only serve. Serve the children of the Lord; serve the Lord Himself if you have the privilege."


"Love... is the only law of life; all selfishness is death...It is life to do good; it is death not to do good to others...Feel, my children, feel for the poor, the ignorant, the downtrodden;....then pour the soul at the feet of the Lord, and then will come power, help, and indomitable energy."


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