Seva

Guru Nanak introduced a new path to spiritual attainment. He said, “Let me show you the direct path to God: “Work hard to support yourself by honest means, always remember God, and share the fruits of your labors for the uplift of humanity.”

Nam (reciting God’s Holy Name) without seva (voluntary work in service to God’s Creation) is not acceptable to Guru Nanak: “If people retreat to the mountains to recite Nam, who will put out the fires of the burning world?”

Every person has to work and help others, for this is God’s hukam (divine command). One who simply sits idle and meditates will not find favor in God’s court, and because he is not helping people, he will not find favor in the world either.

God is the greatest Worker. He is always busy caring for everything – the trees, the people, the earth. If God is constantly working in the world, then how can those who say they believe in God sit idle?  The power that comes from their love of God not only brings out that work ethic but also the strength to follow it.

Guru Ram Das Ji emphasised the concept of selfless service to the humanity without any consideration of caste, colour, creed, gender and country. He put stress on high thinking and simple living. He gave the gift of "Four Lawan" to attain unity with God.

 Work with your hands and feet and keep your mind joined with God. Work is a form of meditation if your mind is in a state of love. If your mind is attuned with dedication, you are with the Creator as you are serving. 

If your mind is far away – if you are thinking of your family or friends for instance – then you are not able to do the dedicated work you are supposed to do. When you combine work and worship, you can work harder and serve more.

God works so hard and is always happy. If we love God, we will be happy while we are serving and we will always remain with Him.