seva is serving others. It is simply being of some service to humanity at large. It is the shift in consciousness from an ego-centrism perspective to a socio-centrism reality. The natural expression of this shift in consciousness is seva. All saints, sages, and true spiritual teachers through out time, have spoken of the necessity of performing selfless service. Seva is the obvious right action that needs to happen in order for lasting change to manifest on mother earth.
The traditional ways of doing seva are: feeding the hungry, to clothe the poor, sheltering the homeless, and comforting those in pain. Unfortunately homelessness, hunger, poverty, and pain are not in short supply in most places on this planet. Even in places of extreme affluence there are usually still human beings in the streets and shadows who have been neglected by the community around them. As a human race we can see that we are still collectively working at eradicating this base level of human suffering from our family and home.
I have spent about 20 years doing karma-yoga/selfless service/ seva. There are alot of spiritual teachings and personal benefits that come through doing seva. its a powerful path. but, all of the esoteric teachings really don't matter. Serving others and having a socio-centrism perspective is already actively being steeped into western culture. It has even hit the mainstream marketing/programming element of our society. Its "hip" , now, to help improve conditions for other folks. ahhhh capitolism! I guess every system of control can be programmed for higher or lower purposes. I am happy to see seva being embraced.
Please feel free to ask about the more estoteric parts of seva if interested. I have come to understand that its really no big deal. its just a common sense reality and something that needs doing in every community. If you have never fed the poor or worked with the homeless I encourage you to give it a try. Its very rewarding..even if you only do it a few hours a week. There is alot to learn through giving.
links to portland orgs that need a little help....
Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps NW
Mercy Corps Action Center: End Hunger Now!
Portland Rescue Mission
Dignity Village
Habitat For Humanity
Food Not Bombs
Oregon Health and Science University
Our House Of Portland AIDS/HIV
Oregon Hospice
Health Clinics/ Free Clinics
Health Clinics/ Free Clinics
The Red Cross
The Dougy Center
Portland Alliance
Portland Independent Media
KBOO Community Radio
Books to Oregon Prisoners
Phoenix Rising
First Unitarian Church
Multi-Seva Opportunities
City Repair Project
Free Geek
