The right spirit is necessary in seva. Not the smallest insect is to be treated callously. I once found a drowning wasp. I took it out, gave it some warmth and prayed for it. For I know that the Lord is there in that wasp. So work for the benefit of others because they are divinities, not because you want personal glory. Even a tiny bit of seva in this spirit will be recognized at once - while thousands of pounds, given with a view to self-advertisement may earn you little merit. Through seva an aspirant can gradually develop all the positive qualities or virtues. Have faith, energy, cheerfulness, courage, patience, perseverance, sincerity, concentration and serenity. Have no desire for name and fame, appreciation, admiration and gratitude. Be humble and free from hatred, jealousy and harshness. Speak sweet words. How can a proud and jealous person who expects respect from others serve others?
One who is easily irritated and easily offended over trifles is unfit for seva. Develop an amiable, loving and sociable nature. Move and mix with everybody without distinction of caste, creed or colour. Be adaptable, compassionate and tolerant. Adjust to the habits and ways of others. Have an all-embracing and all-inclusive heart. Have a cool and balanced mind. Have equal vision and rejoice in the welfare of others.
A good deed is never lost. It purifies the heart. Work for the welfare of the whole world. Return good for bad. It is the sign of a real human being. Doing good and bringing happiness to others brings goodness and happiness to you. A little self-denial, honest service, little words of cheer, encouragement, sympathy and kindness, little acts of kindness, little silent victories over temptations – these will pave a long way to the attainment of everlasting peace.
Do as you would be done by. Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. This is the great moral law. You are not born to solve the problems of the universe. You are born to find out what you have to do. This span of life is given to you for lofty duties, not for selfishness, not to be spent in eating, drinking and making merry, but to improve yourself, to cultivate positive qualities, to serve humanity selfishly and to attain God-realization.
Through the practice of seva alone, you can develop all the positive qualities such as tolerance, mercy, kindness, love, patience and self-restraint which are necessary for the practice of bhakti and jnana yoga. How can a cave-dweller in seclusion practise tolerance, mercy and cosmic love? The practice of seva generates, waters and nourishes the positive qualities. Without seva they will dwindle and fade away. Seva acts as a brush to keep the mind-mirror ever clean.
Seva keeps all yogis ever dynamic and alert. It relaxes the mind for meditation, inspires, gives a change and induces vigorous meditation. Work acts as an appetizer for meditation and wisdom.