|
November:
Dharma and
Seva and Humanitarianism
Summary
In Hindu scriptures ‘Dharma’ has been defined as that
which sustains (“Dharayata iti Dharmaha”). It encompasses all those systems and
values which are instrumental and necessary in maintaining harmonious
relationships between the individual, his family, society, and the universe. Dharma can also be translated as
duty. It is the Dharma of a
parent to take care of his child.
It is the dharma of governments to serve, guide, and protect their
citizens and lead to their prosperity.
The conduct and actions of the Hindus must be guided at every level
and in every sphere by Dharma.
On the universal plane, the precept of Vasudhev
Kutumbhkam (‘The Universe is One Family’) teaches us tolerance and
empathy for one another. When we
accept that the universe is our family, we realize that part of our Dharma is
unity and brotherhood to all and to serve all. One must not only help others in society; one must also
fulfill one’s duty and obligations to the Universal family.
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu
niraamayaah
Sarve bhadraani pashyantu, maa kashchid
duhkhabhaag bhavet
This slokah means “May all be happy; may all be free
from afflictions; may all see the goodness of others and in everything; may
no one’s lot suffer sorrow.” For
a society to prosper and be happy, it’s physical well-being must be
maintained. To sustain Dharma,
it is the duty of all human beings to make sure everyone has adequate food
and shelter.
Swami Vivekananda once said that “service to humanity is
service to God.” Service to
society and other living beings should be done in a selfless manner. Service should not be performed
without expectation of any return, but treated as a service to God. Service should be carried out with
love and regard, with compassion and understanding, and without hurting the
dignity or self-respect of the beneficiary. There are three ways that one can give:
Tan – Body
This is physically giving your body to service. This can entail many things, such as
volunteering to clean temples as well as cooking meals for the homeless.
Man – Mind
‘Sarveshameva Dananam Brahmadanam Vishishyate’
(Manu Smruti) means charity of any kind is good but the best is that of
imparting knowledge. Real
charity is that which provides a permanent source of honest earning to the
poor person, enabling him to stand on his own feet in the future. Teaching, tutoring, or mentoring are
some effective methods of sharing knowledge with others.
Dhan – Money
If someone keeps all that he accumulates for himself and
does not give it to others, the hoarded wealth will eventually prove to be
the cause of ruin (Rig Veda, 10-117-6).
Money or the giving of material goods is the most recognized form of
providing service.
Unfortunately, wealth in today’s world is unequally distributed. One should not consider oneself
as the owner of God-given wealth but only as a trustee. “Shatahasta samahara
sahasrahasta sankira” (Atharva Veda, 3-24-5), which means one may
amass wealth with hundreds of hands but should distribute it with thousands
of hands.
Since there can be no argument for the need of Seva, why
is it hard for one to perform it?
Volunteering to clean a temple means missing a football game. Writing a check for the India
Development Relief Fund (IDRF), a non-profit organization dedicated to
providing economic support and relief in India, means missing dinner at a
fancy restaurant. Teaching
someone to read means less free time for yourself. While not all people feel this way, many people feel
performing Seva is a sacrifice.
This, in fact, is true. Seva is a sacrifice in the sense that
something is given such as time or money for the sake of something else. However, one should not feel they are
suffering materialistically or personally by giving away time or money to a
worthy cause. Since Seva is
performing one’s dharma, one should not suffer when one is doing one’s
duty. Dharmic actions should
always be performed with a pure heart with no expectations of the fruits of
the actions. In the long run,
this will bring more benefits than one can possibly imagine.
Background Articles
Possible Activities and Discussion
Topics
Relevant Organizational Contacts
Speakers in your Area
Quotable Quotes
|
