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Seva "If we
have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we
belong to each other." - Mother Theresa
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"Seva," devotional services to others, is a fundamental
practice in many cultures. This concept is closely
correlated with the idea of generosity, which is the
first practice of many Buddhist paths.
North America is not what I would consider a place of
natural Seva. We function within a capitalist framework
that is dominance-based. This form of
relationship creates a huge imbalance between people and
the world around them. The idea of sharing and
unconditional love is so foreign to us that we resist.
As an aspiring yoga practitioner, one is committed to a
greater vision of the world - to the idea of compassion
and loving-kindness. What do I mean by this term
"loving-kindness”? Loving-kindness is the ability to
look deeply into one's heart and soul and ask the
difficult questions. Questions such as: is this truly
honest? Am I doing what feels authentic? Am I acting
with utmost integrity? Loving-kindness is about
committing to the growth of "self," and growth of the
other and to honor this commitment, whether or not it is
convenient.
Loving-kindness may not look particularly loving at
times; it may look like you saying “no.” It may look
like intervention in situations that are heartless or
damaging. It may mean holding your ground or it may mean
sacrifice.
Loving-kindness is not a path of ease or convenience.
Love is an action word, one that demands of us
commitment and presence, internally and externally. I am
always afraid when I stand up for myself, for others or
for the planet. When I say “no,” when I raise my voice,
I often tremble with fear. However, if I do not stand in
defense of love, then I am denying love, and this will
contribute to a deeper closing of my heart and a
negating of my life-force energy.
Seva is giving - to give of yourself with your heart
open and to expect nothing in return. There are moments
when this is possible and effortless, and other times
that I have to wrench Seva out of my body and I resist
it all the way. Yet, ultimately, it is through the
giving of myself that I am filled.
Your yoga practice will open your heart. That is the
truest aspect and gift of a yoga practice: to bring a
deepening of awareness and to take that awareness with
you out into the world. It is our responsibility as
students and teachers to take the practice off of the
mat and into "the street." If I am unable to bring this
compassionate heart out into the world, I will move away
from the true gift of my practice. I may even abandon my
practice, or stay stuck in the same routine day after
day - moving thought the motions of yoga, but refusing
to allow my heart to be broken open. Doing so would make
it simply an exercise class, which is neither good nor
bad - if this is your goal then you have achieved it.
However, if you are committed to a rich life, full of
heart, emotion, bravery, generosity, community and deep
connectedness, and if you love this planet and her
creatures, then Seva is "right action" in a world that
is careening toward its’ breaking point – a breaking
point caused by over-consumption and insensitivity.
There are many ways to bring the element of Seva into
your life. It could be as simple as actually looking at
people you pass on the street and smiling at them, and
to allow others to see you and connect. You may want to
consider something like giving up your cell phone or
making an extra lunch in the morning and giving it away
to someone on the street. These may not seem like
profound acts of Seva; however, they are profound
because they are born out of love and kindness.
What I ask of you, as my students and as humans who I
care for and stand next to on this Earth, is it that you
are willing to do for this beautiful planet? What is it
that you are willing to give up for others and for a
world that sustains our life?
Books that I have found inspirational and have opened
my awareness of the power of Seva are:
The Culture of Make Believe and
Language Older Than Words by Derrick Jensen
Truth or Dare: Encounters with Power, Authority, and
Mystery by Starhawk
The Return of the Mother by Andrew Harvey
Woman and Nature: The Roaring
Inside Her by Susan Griffin
All About Love by Bell Hooks
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
by Pema Chodron
Poetry that I enjoy:
New and Selected Poems by Mary Oliver
Ten Poems to Change Your Life by Roger
Housden
Love Poems From God by Daniel Ladinsky
Grace and Poison by Karen Connelly
Circles On The Water by Marge Piercy
The Captains Verse by Pablo Neruda
Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair by
Pablo Neruda
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