Service Before Self: An Enduring Principle in a Changing World
In today’s world, the
idea of “service before self” or “selfless service” may seem outdated to
pragmatists or realists. Many view it as an old sermon that lacks relevance in
the modern context. The term "service" is often associated with
businesses whose primary goal is to maximize profits, regardless of the means.
The word has been misused, becoming a disguise for ulterior motives rather than
a genuine commitment to helping others. This is one side of the story, but it
does not fully capture the reality. The truth is that our world consists of
both darkness and light.
A story from Hindu mythology offers a different perspective on selflessness. When Sri Krishna fell ill, he said that he would recover if someone offered him soil from their feet. Despite his divine status, no one came forward, fearing it would be a sin to give soil to a deity. However, 1,600 Gopis (milkmaids) gladly offered the soil without concern for the consequences, driven by their pure love for Krishna. Their act was a true example of selfless service, demonstrating that this principle has deep roots in history.
India, often referred
to as the land of selfless service, is filled with examples of sacrifice for
the sake of others. Throughout its history, great individuals have embodied
this ideal, dedicating their lives to serving society. It is through such acts
of service that they have attained immortality in people's hearts. The name
Swami Vivekananda stands out when thinking of selfless service; he revived the
spirit of sacrifice in modern India, emphasizing that "God loves those who
love their fellow men." This message echoes through all religions as a
universal truth.
The relevance of selfless service may be questioned in contemporary society. However, without some level of selflessness, the social fabric would deteriorate. While pursuing self-development is important, the highest form of personal growth cannot be achieved through selfish motives alone. Selfishness may lead to individual progress, but it is the shedding of selfishness that brings one closer to the ultimate goal: spiritual liberation, or *moksha*.
Interestingly, younger
individuals are often less self-centered compared to older ones. Youth is a
time for dedication and selflessness, as illustrated by a Chinese proverb:
"If at eighteen, you do not think about society, you are headless; if at
eighty, you still think about society, you are headless." This suggests
that young people are naturally inclined to be more community-minded, making it
an ideal time to embrace the principle of "service before self."
In conclusion, while
the modern world may appear to be driven by self-interest, the timeless value
of selfless service remains significant. It continues to inspire and uplift,
reminding us that true fulfillment lies not in selfish pursuits but in acts of
genuine service to others.
The Power of Surrender: Embracing Life's Challenges
Mark Nepo, philosopher and spiritual teacher, reminds us that life continually teaches us to ask for what we need and, more importantly, to accept what we receive. He compares surrender to a fish swimming with the river's current, while acceptance is like that fish encountering a rock and adapting to the obstacle it represents. These hardships serve a purpose: they push us towards growth.
Om Swami, a spiritual
leader, observes that many of us misunderstand surrender, treating it as a
joke. He shares a story to illustrate this misconception: A man was driving on
a narrow mountain road when his car skidded and plunged into a deep gorge. He
managed to grab hold of a thin tree branch during the fall. Desperate, he
called out to God with fervent prayers, but no reply came. As the branch
weakened, he kept calling for help. Suddenly, a booming voice from the sky
said, "Let go of the branch, and I will protect you." The man looked
down at the dark, rocky abyss and doubted his survival. Hesitant, he shouted
back, "Are you sure?" The voice replied, "Yes, let go, I am
God." Still doubtful, the man asked, "Is there anyone else up
there?"
This story highlights our resistance to letting go and trusting the unknown. Amy Johnson, a psychologist and author, explains that our need for control stems from the fear that life may not unfold according to our expectations. If we trust that we will be okay regardless of circumstances, we can release the urge to micromanage everything. Letting go allows us to embrace unexpected and wonderful possibilities that remain hidden when we cling to a single "right path."
Surrender is one of
the most challenging aspects of the spiritual journey, and it often involves
acceptance and detachment from the outcomes of our actions. Richard Rohr, a
Franciscan contemplative, says, "Acceptance becomes the strangest and
strongest kind of power. Surrender is not giving up, as we often think; it’s
giving to the moment, the event, the person, the situation, and even God."
In our society,
surrender and acceptance are sometimes viewed as signs of weakness. However,
accepting a situation and surrendering to a higher power are acts of faith and
strength. We may struggle to surrender during difficult times, such as
sickness, pain, losing a job, experiencing a divorce, or facing betrayal. The
secret lies in accepting what has happened while still striving to improve the
situation.
Recognizing that life
can be unfair helps us move beyond a constant "battle mode." Instead
of resisting or fighting against challenges, we can find more creative and
effective ways to respond. By embracing surrender and acceptance, we open
ourselves to growth and new possibilities, discovering resilience and strength
we may not have realized we possessed.
IF HE EXIST
I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who
spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this,
his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was
wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into
believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am
wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your
entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should
you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-
ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7th heaven moment of
the week India u19 beat Pakistan by 7 run, and in epl son 7 scored a goal
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