Sevā

Sevā (also known as Sewā, Sanskrit: सेवा) is the concept of performing selfless service without expecting any reward. It holds significance in both Hinduism and Sikhism, taking the form of Bhandara and Langar, respectively. Sevā is a Sanskrit term meaning "selfless and meaningful service." Such acts are carried out to benefit other human beings or society. However, a modern interpretation of the term describes it as a service that reflects "dedication to others". In Christianity, the Bible verses from Matthew and James underline that serving others is a way of life. Sevā can take various forms and is performed with the intention of bringing faith into the public realm. For those participating in it, Sevā is an essential component of spiritual development, serving to wear down the egotism and selfishness associated with modernity.

In Hinduism, sevā for the right cause is also called karma yoga, as described in the Bhagavad Gita. It is performed without any expectation of reward, serving as a path to purify one's heart and progress toward moksha. In Bhagavad Gita (3.19), it is stated: "Therefore, giving up attachment, perform actions as a matter of duty, because by working without being attached to the fruits, one attains the Supreme."

In Sikhism, sevā is an act of service to Waheguru (the Supreme God), enabling one to grow closer to Waheguru. The principles of sevā underpin many Sikh values and are emphasized numerous times in the Guru Granth Sahib. The scripture focuses not only on how one should perform sevā, but also the proper mindset one should have and the spiritual benefits that result from performing sevā.

In Christianity, sevā or serving others is described as a sacred act. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus emphasizes this principle: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Sevā comes from the Sanskrit root sev —"to serve"— and is a central concept in both contemporary Hinduism and Sikhism.

In Hinduism, sevā means selfless service and is often associated with karma yoga (disciplined action) and bhakti yoga (disciplined devotion). Sevā is also connected to other Sanskrit concepts, such as dāna (gift giving), karunā (compassion), and prema (love/affection). Seva is also performed as a form of ego-transcending spiritual practice known as sādhanā, and plays a large role in modern Hinduism. A key concept in Hinduism is moksha, or liberation from the cycle of births and death known as saṃsāra. Sādhanā is the effort one makes to strive for liberation, highlighting the importance of service to others.

In Sikhism, the word sevā means "to worship, adore, or pay homage through the act of love." Sevā could be social, physical, spiritual, or security service for the welfare of humanity. In the writings of Sikh gurus, these two meanings of sevā (service and worship) have been merged. Sevā is expected to be a labor of love performed with humility and without selfish desire or expectation.

Kar sevā (Gurmukhi: ਕਰ ਸੇਵਾ), from the Sanskrit words kar, meaning hands or work, and sevā, meaning service, is often translated as "voluntary service". A kar sevā volunteer is called a kar sevak: someone who freely offers their services to a religious cause. Sikhs use the term kar sevak to refer to people who engage in ministrations, altruistic philanthropy, and humanitarian endeavors in service to religion and society. Sevadar (Punjabi: ਸੇਵਾਦਾਰ; also transcribed as sewadar), literally "sevā-supporter", is another Punjabi word for a volunteer who performs seva.