Goal of Gurmat Based Seva

One can find all sorts of definitions of ‘Seva-ਸੇਵਾ’ (pronounced Sevaa) on the internet, in books and articles – including but not limited to selfless service, selflessly helping others for their welfare etc.

Many think and consider ‘Seva‘ to be ONLY going to Gurdwara and participating in various activities there such as Langar, serving hyper-commercialized physical Langar (meal-ਭੋਜਨ), washing utensils and plates, cleaning Gurdwara building and premises, dusting shoes of Gurdwara attendees, donating for Gurdwara building and related projects, ritual reciting/reading Bani, etc.

Yet some believe Seva is servings elaborate Langar and Shabils on every street during Gurpurabs or Nagar Kirtan and force-feeding people again and again who are already full or satiated (ਜੋ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਰੱਜੇ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ) etc. In their inferiority complex some genuinely believe that a Sikh’s value lies solely in serving only others.

Religious hooligans/murderous thugs consider it ‘Seva‘ even killing and hurting fellow humans in the name of protecting the dignity of one’s religion/Guru/God/scripture!

• ਦੇਖਾ ਦੇਖੀ ਸਭ ਕਰੇ ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਜਿਨ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਿਰਦਾ ਸੁਧੁ ਹੈ ਸੇਵ ਪਈ ਤਿਨ ਥਾਇ ॥ : Manmukhs (Unenlightened persons) do everything seeing other people do to make a show (Pakhand, ਦੇਖਾ ਦੇਖੀ, ਨਕਲ, ਦਿਖਾਵਾ…), but they themselves have no understanding of the true way of living. (On the other hand) those who have become the Gurmukh (Enlightened by following the Creator- Connecting Guru Shabad), their mind are Pure (free of vices/Bikaar), their ‘Seva‘ is successful. (sggs 28).

What is Seva in Sikhi?

The word ‘Seva-ਸੇਵਾ’ appears in many Shabads included in the SGGS. But in what context? To justify our acts, we often selectively quote verses from the Gurbani and systematically mistranslate/misinterpret them.

But does the Gurbani enshrined within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) say about Seva? Is Seva serving others? Is it giving in charity? Is Seva serving on Gurdwara committees, and then steal as much possible from Gurdwara Golaks, and so on?

According to the Gurbani the best Seva is to serve the Satguru.

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਊਤਮ ਹੈ ਭਾਈ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥੧॥ : O brother, to live by the Satgur’s Giyan-Wisdom (ਸੱਚਾ ਗਿਆਨ) is the best Seva to do; the Guru attunes the mind of his followers to the God’s Naam (Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam). ||1|| (sggs 638).

What does it mean “to serve the Satguru“?

Simply put, it means to to follow the true Shabad Guru’s teachings (Upadesh, counsel, injunctions, Guidance) in life — adhere to the enlightening Message  of the Shabad Guru in each and every facet of one’s daily life. No other Seva is supreme.

• ਗੁਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਤਪਾਂ ਸਿਰਿ ਤਪੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ : Seva of adhering to the enlightening Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru is the supreme penance. (sggs 423).

How one can go about serving the Shabad Guru?

Through steadfastness, the Shabad Guru is served with “Shabad-Vichaar”. This is the Gurbani’s counsel.

• ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰੇ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰੁ ॥੭॥ : Undertaking the deed of controlling my false ego-sense (Haumai) and Enlightening myself with the spiritual Message within the Shabad (Shabad Vichaar) is service (Seva) of the Guru (ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ – Gur Ki Seva). ॥7॥. (sggs 223).

But the key is through steadfastness — becoming ‘Ik Mann Ik Chit-ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਇਕ ਚਿਤਿ ਭਾਇ’, becoming focused, becoming ‘one’ within (unfragmented) etc.

• ਹਉ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਇਕ ਮਨਿ ਇਕ ਚਿਤਿ ਭਾਇ ॥ : I follow the teaching of the Satguru (True Giyan-Wisdom of the Shabad) by becoming ‘Ik Mann Ik Chit’ (one) Within. (sggs 26).

The goal of Gurmat Based ‘Seva‘

Having said that, the goal of Seva defined in Sikhi becomes clear.

Since Shabad is enlightenment, Seva of the Shabad Guru is through Shabad-Vichaar is essential Seva of one’s own Conscience (Surt-ਸੁਰਤ) because the Shabad can only be realized in conscience (Surat-ਸੁਰਤ-mind).

• ਕਰਮੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮਿਲਾਏ ॥ ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਮੋਹੁ ਚੁਕਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ : My Self-effort (action) guides me to meet the Satguru. Seva is defined as focusing our ‘Surt’ (conscience, mind) onto the Shabad Guru (Upadesh, Message…).. Subduing ego, lasting Sukh is obtained, and emotional attachment to Maya is dispelled (sggs 110).

In fact, Guru Nanak explains this in his own Bani that the Guru of a Sikh is only the Shabad, and that one’s Conscience / mind / Surat-ਸੁਰਤ needs to become the Sikh (learner, student – ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ):

• ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥ : The SHABAD is my GURU (i.e. the Source of my Enlightenment), and my conscience (Surat, mind) is the disciple (of this SHABAD GURU (i.e. I adhere to the Instructions contained within the Shabad). (sggs 943).

The Guru Sahib also counsels us that the Shabad cannot be realized in the Conscience without subduing the false ego-sense (Haumai). Therefore, to do this ‘Gur Ki Seva’ the Shabad needs to be weaponized against the false ego-sense.

• ਵਿਚਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਸੇਵਾ ਥਾਇ ਨ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਜਨਮਿ ਮਰੈ ਫਿਰਿ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਏ ॥ : Any ‘Seva‘ performed in Haumai or false ego-sense goes in vain. (Such person’s mind) continues to go through cycle of spiritual birth and death. (sggs 1071).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹਉਮੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਜਲਾਏ ॥ : Internalization of the spiritual Message of the Shabad (the Gurmukh-Hood State of Mind) burn Haumai (false ego-sense). (sggs 942).

As Counseled by the Guru Shabad, any ‘Sova‘ done without the Guru’s Giyan-Wisdom or without Realizing the Enlightening Message contained in the Guru Shabad becomes a cause of hardening of Haumai (false ego-sense). The Guru Shabad asserts that Sova‘ done in Haumai becomes useless. The reason it becomes useless is because the spirit of ‘Seva‘ is meant to remove Haumai, NOT further increase/inflate it. Also this hardening of Haumai gives rise to vices/Bikaar (i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride; and their countless variations), UN-Gurmat practices and rituals, and so on.

• ਹਉਮੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਲਿ ਵਿਰੋਧੁ ਹੈ ਦੁਇ ਨ ਵਸਹਿ ਇਕ ਠਾਇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਤਾ ਮਨੁ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ : False-ego-sense (Haumai) is opposed to the divine Naam; both cannot coexist in the mind. ‘Seva‘ is not possible in Haumai (false ego-sense), and mind becomes empty. (sggs 560).

With that said, then the purpose of Seva would be to adopt Godly Virtues and eliminate one’s Haumai (false ego-sense), vices/Bikaar, evil thoughts, evil intentions, evil behavior, bad character etc. There is NO point in doing Seva if one is not willing to listen to the Counsel of the SGGS or make any effort in changing one’s deluded mind. The Gurbani warns:

• ਸਾ ਸੇਵਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਸਫਲ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮੰਨੇ ॥ ਜਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਮਨੁ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਤਾ ਪਾਪ ਕਸੰਮਲ ਭੰਨੇ ॥ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਜਿ ਦਿਤਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਸੋ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਸਿਖੀ ਕੰਨੇ ॥ : One is considered to be doing Seva if that Seva is in accordance and in acceptance of the teachings of the Guru (Instructions contained within SGGS). When this condition is met ONLY then the Seva done is considered acceptable. This is the Instructions (Counsel-Updesh) given by the Guru and we are to listen and adhere to it attentively (So Suniya Sikhi Kanney). (sggs 314).
• ਕਿਸੁ ਹਉ ਸੇਵੀ ਕਿਆ ਜਪੁ ਕਰੀ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਪੂਛਉ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸਤਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਭਾਣਾ ਮੰਨਿ ਲਈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ॥ ਏਹਾ ਸੇਵਾ ਚਾਕਰੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ ਨਾਮੈ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਚੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਇ ॥੧॥ : I asked my Satguru: Whom should I serve and whom should I Realize? (The Satguru’s answer is to) leave my self-will and follow the Guru’s Instruction (Shabad, Upadesh, Wisdom, Guidance). Through such Seva and work, the Naam (Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam) comes to mind. Happiness is obtained from the Naam itself and the Spiritual life becomes beautiful. ||1|| (sggs 34).
• ਸੇਵਕੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਤਾਂ ਕਰੇ ਸਚ ਸਬਦਿ ਪਤੀਣਾ ॥ : A ‘Sevak’ (Sevadar) can perform ‘Seva‘ only when his/her mind performs Seva in accordance and in acceptance of the teachings of the Guru’s Shabad (instructions contained within the SGGS). (sggs 767).

Furthermore, Seva is NOT done to ask for favors or any rewards from the Guru/God. However given in false ego-sense (Haumai), one begins to think that by giving it has become content, noble, virtuous, spiritual, Mahaatmaa etc. But the altruistic generally give and give but clandestinely hunger for more validation from the world.

• ਸਤੀਆ ਮਨਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਦੇਣੈ ਕੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਦੇ ਦੇ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਸਹਸਾ ਗੂਣਾ ਸੋਭ ਕਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥ : The thought of charity brings contentment in the minds of philanthropists. They give charity with selfish intentions, because they give with the intent of receiving a thousandfold times more from God and that the world will glorify their giving. (sggs 466).

In short, the Guru/God does not need ‘Seva‘, the ‘Sevak (Sevadar) needs to perform ‘Seva‘ to refurbish his/her own mind with the unbiased mental strength by internalizing the Enlightening Message contained in the Guru Shabad – relinquish the negative impact of Haumai or false ego-sense from one’s own mind, and so on.

Such ‘Seva‘ based on Gurmat (Guru’s teachings) can be performed if one can collect his/her prejudiced, divided and wandering mind. NO mental trickery, show off, Pakhand, religious robes, religious paraphernalia, rituals (Karamkaand), Langars, ritualistic reading/listening of the Guru Shabad, Nagar Kirtans, meditation, renunciation and other such charades do not take us to meet the Satguru! Falsehood (Jhooth-ਝੂਠ) is shallow. Therefore any Seva performed in selfishness and with the scattered or fragmented mind would be false (ਝੂਠ-Jhooth), superficial, Pakhand etc.

Last but not least, the Gurbani’s edict (ਫੈਸਲਾ) is to become SACHIAARAA‘ (God-Realized) and abide in Nij Ghar within.

• ਸਚਿਆਰ ਸਿਖ ਬਹਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਾਸਿ ਘਾਲਨਿ ਕੂੜਿਆਰ ਨ ਲਭਨੀ ਕਿਤੈ ਥਾਇ ਭਾਲੇ ॥ : Those Sikhs (learners, students of the Guru Shabad) who have become ‘Sachiaar‘ remain connected with the Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru Shabad in daily life, but false ones are found NOT to follow Message of the Guru Shabad. (sggs 305).
• ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਿਖਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥ : The Guru’s Sikh remembers the Giyan-Wisdom of the Guru Shabad in daily life. (sggs 869).

Becoming ‘Sachiaar‘ is the GURMUKH State of the mind (Enlightened/ Guru-Shabad-Oriented). Since the way of the Gurmukh is arduous (like walking on a razor’s edge …), Gurmukhs are said to be ‘rare‘. Nonetheless, the Gurbani time and again urges us to become the Gurmukh – Sach Santokhee, Enlightened, Sachiaaraa capable of restraining his mind instead of following his mind etc.

• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਟੇ ਖਰੇ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ : The spirituality of the Shabad (i.e. Internalization of the Message of the Shabad) distinguishes between fake and true (in conscience within). (sggs 942).
• ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਰਹਸਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਾ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ ਖੋਜੀ ਉਪਜੈ ਬਾਦੀ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਹਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਗੁਰ ਕਰਤਾਰਾ ॥ : With the Conscience of ‘Seva‘ I live daily life of Divine Virtues, and by becoming a Gurmukh I Reflect On the Guru Shabad. The searcher (Seeker-ਖੋਜਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ) grows (in Spiritual or Divine Life – ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ), and the arguer (Mayaic debater, quarrelsome, ਝਗੜਾਲੂ, etc.) annihilates (or ruins his Spiritual). O Gur Kartaaraa (Divine Wisdom…)! I am a sacrifice to you (sggs 1255).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਰਤੀਤਿ ਭਈ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ : (sggs 1423).

In a nutshell, on the one hand Gumat based ‘Seva‘ is a supplement to Divine remembrance (Divine Virtues, Naam Seva, living in harmony with Divine Giyan-Wisdom / Virtues / Hukam, on the other hand it destroys the Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaare mindset.

Prerequisites of performing Gurmat based ‘Seva‘

Now perhaps we can appreciate the Gurmat’s prerequisites for performing Seva (ਸੇਵਾ).

First, one must be free of the negative impact of Haumai or false-ego-sense. That being said, Gurmat based Seva can only be performed by eradicating the self-hood (‘ਸਾ ਸੇਵਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਸਫਲ ਹੈ’- Saa seva keetee safal hai), sggs 314):

• ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰੇ ਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਏ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ : If one serves without false ego-sense (Aapa Bhaav) then one receives recognition. (sggs 474).

Next, one must become contented within (ਸੰਤੋਖੀ) for only those who are contented (ਸੰਤੋਖੀ) within can serve selflessly.

• ਸੇਵ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਈ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀ ਸਚੋ ਸਚੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥ ਓਨੑੀ ਮੰਦੈ ਪੈਰੁ ਨ ਰਖਿਓ ਕਰਿ ਸੁਕ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਓਨੑੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਤੋੜੇ ਬੰਧਨਾ ਅੰਨੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਥੋੜਾ ਖਾਇਆ ॥ : Only those do the real Seva who are contented. They contemplate the Truth. They do not walk on the path of corruption (wickedness, ill-doings…), but do good deeds and live by Dharma. (Those who are contended) break bondage to the world (Maya’s fetters/traps…), and consume in moderation (i.e. taking only what is needed). (sggs 467).

The implication is that, without Godly contentment, there can be no selflessness (ਨਿਸਕਾਮਤਾ). In the absence of selflessness, one’s Seva will be motivated by vices/Bikaar (lust, greed, attachment, pride, selfish intentions, and so on. The Godly contentment (ਸੰਤੋਖ) indicates absence of self-hood (ਆਪਾ ਭਾਵ), selfishness, vices/Bikaars, Mayaic hunger (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੀ ਭੁੱਖ) etc.

• ਬਿਨਾ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਊ ਰਾਜੈ ॥ : Without contentment (inner contentment, True Contentment, ਜੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੈ…), no one is satiated (ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤ, ਰੱਜ). (sggs 279).
• ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥ ਤਾ ਸੁਣਿ ਸਦਿ ਬਹਾਲੇ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧॥ : When a person acquires Godly (Virtue of) Contentment, and offers his prayer (Ardaas) to God; then God listens to his prayer (Ardaas), and the person feels His Presence Within. ॥1॥ (sggs 878).

That being said, the way to inculcate the Consciousness of ‘Seva‘ (Seva Surati – ‘ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ’) is to abide in Guru Shabad (the Gurmukh State of the mind).

• ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ : Seva is defined as our ‘Surt’ (conscience, mind) reflecting on the Guru Shabad (Upadesh, Message…).  (sggs 1343).
• ਸੇਵਾ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ॥ : Seva is defined as focusing our ‘Surt’ (conscience, mind) onto the Shabad Guru (Upadesh, Message…). (sggs 110).
• ਸੇਵਾ ਸਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵਸੀ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਏ ਥਾਇ ॥ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਆਰਾਧਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣੀ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥੮॥੨॥੪॥੯॥ : Only the Creator-approved ‘Seva‘ is acceptable to the Creator Within. Nanak, ‘Jan’ (Gurmukh, Daas, Bhagat etc.) remembers the Creator by attuning to the Guru’s Eternal Giyan-Wisdom. ||8||2||4||9|| (sggs 757).

Ending Note

The practical Spirituality of the SGGS is of the SELF, for the SELF, by the SELF. That said, there is NO concept of transfer of blessing in the Sikhi of Guru Nanak. Instead the principle of Guru Nanak’s Sikhi or Gurmat is:

• ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥: (So long there is breath — Praan) accomplish the task (of God Realization) yourself ( i.e. with self-efforts, hard work: Shabad-Vichaar …). ||20|| (sggs 474).
• ਆਪਣਾ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਆਪਿ ਸਵਾਰੇ ਹੋਰਨਿ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਈ ॥ : Resolve your own task (of God Realization) by yourself (by self-efforts). None else can do it for you. Those who attain the state of Gurmukh (enlightened / Guru-Shabad-Oriented) understands that this task (of God Realization) requires commitment to cultivating Virtues like Truth, Contentment, Compassion and Dharma. ||3|| (sggs 351).
• ਬਿਨੁ ਖਾਏ ਬੂਝੈ ਨਹੀ ਭੂਖ ॥: Without eating, hunger is not satisfied. (sggs 1149).
• ਭੁਖਿਆ ਗੰਢੁ ਪਵੈ ਜਾ ਖਾਇ ॥ : A person who is hungry establishes a connection with his body only if he eats food (otherwise death may follow). (sggs 143).
• ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥ : I would eat what I sow. (sggs 4).

Some Related Posts:

• Pujaaree’s Sikhi vs. Guru Nanak’s Unique Sikhi
• Understanding Guru Nanak
• Leave Ego Personality and Shoes Outside!
• False Ego-Sense Kills Mind’s Original Nature
• Haumai Maya
• Naam Seva
• Shabad Langar
• Dying in Shabad
• Gurmat Bhagti
• Churning the Gurbani
• Gurmat and Shabad Vichaar
• Seven Days of a Sikh
• Shabad Consciousness VS Body Consciousness
• Become the Gurbani
• Gurbani Defines Naam
• Gurbani Explains Gurbani
• Realize Enlightening Message Embedded within Shabad
• Gurbani Says Focus on the Message
• Guru Nanak’s concept of ‘God’
• Controling Vices / Bikaar
• Becoming Sachiaar – ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ
• Gurdwara
• Missing Component from Sikhi Parchar