Serving others helps to develop the human personality is the most effective sadhana for cleansing the mind and purifying the heart. Negative qualities constrict the heart and leave deposits in the mind, which form a veil or thick crust separating an individual from others. Selfless service breaks the crust, removes the veil and expands the heart. The whole world is nothing but a manifestation of God. Service of humanity and country is nothing short of service to God. It is worship and prepares an aspirant for the attainment of cosmic consciousness, the life of oneness or unity with God. The individual aspirant does not lose anything in seva. Any service done for the country, society, poor or sick people brings advantages and benefits. Service prepares the mind to receive knowledge of the atman. The samskaras or impressions, of these good actions are indelibly embedded in the subconscious mind. Their force propels one again to do more good actions.
The path of seva, which eventually leads to the attainment of the infinite bliss of the highest self, cannot be futile. In agriculture a person may fertilize and plough the land, but his efforts are futile if there is no rainfall during the year. However, this is not the case in nishkama karma, as there is no uncertainty regarding the result of any effort and there is not the least chance of doing harm. Some harm will certainly result if the doctor is injudicious and administers an overdose of medicine, but this is not the case in the practice of karma yoga. Even if a person does a little nishkama karma in any form, it will save him from the great fear of samsara, the cycle of birth and death. That is the reason why Sri Krishna says to Arjuna (2:40):
Nehaabhikramanaasho’sti pratyavaayo na vidyate;
Svalpamapyasya dharmasya traayate mahato bhayaat.In this there is no loss of effort; nor is there any harm.
Even a little practice of this service protects one from great fear.
The force of karma yoga induces an individual to work more and more with greater zeal and enthusiasm. The spirit of self-sacrifice grows and selfishness is annihilated. A person who works in the public field for the welfare of the country and humanity realizes the truth of this statement. When the thought of doing good becomes part and parcel of a person’s being, he does not entertain any selfish motives and takes immense delight in serving others. There is joy and bliss in the practice of vigorous seva. The karma yogi gains spiritual strength and power by performing selfless and motiveless actions. When he works without any kind of motive, he feels the effects of purity and inner strength.