September 1, 2015
Dear Siddha Yogis,
It is my pleasure to share with you that the teaching focus for the month of September is the Siddha Yoga practice of seva.
Seva is an ancient spiritual practice. This Sanskrit word means to serve, honor, and worship. On the Siddha Yoga path, seva is selfless service offered to the Guru and performed as a pure offering, without attachment to the results of one’s actions.
This past summer, I celebrated 30 years of following this beloved Siddha Yoga path. In that time, I have offered seva in many different ways. For example, I have served on staff and as a visiting sevite in the SYDA Foundation Dakshina Department and as finance coordinator and satsang host at the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center in San Diego. I have always cherished the practice of seva as a way to express my gratitude to Gurumayi for her boundless grace.
I have been reflecting on how my understanding and experience of seva is illuminated by Gurumayi’s Message for 2015:
Turn
Inward
Meditate
Easefully
Several years ago, I was invited to offer seva as the host for the Global Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive in honor of Baba Muktananda’s Mahasamadhi. I knew I was invited to serve in this role because of my experience and expertise as a public speaker. Yet, this particular seva felt like a stretch for my skill set and would likely take me out of my comfort zone.
While I was pondering how to respond to the invitation, I reminded myself that this was no ordinary work—this was seva and, no matter what, there could only be learning and growing. Besides, I loved offering seva! So, I accepted the invitation with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
The preparation for hosting the Shaktipat Intensive required one-pointedness and focus, and I was fortunate to be offering seva with supportive and respectful teammates. Their love of the Guru inspired me. I made a firm resolve to offer my whole heart and all of my enthusiasm to the seva and to put my self-doubts aside. I decided to make an effort to see God in myself and to ask for grace every step of the way.
In the weeks leading up to the Intensive, while at times it was challenging for me, I had an experience of amazing transformation. I was constantly communicating with my team, listening to feedback, and applying what I learned. Something significant was happening on the inside too. I began to notice that in the short periods I was not focused on seva, whether I was taking care of my children, working, or doing household chores, my mind was completely still. Usually, I would have been fatigued with all that I had on my plate, yet every part of my life was energized. From the stillness and quiet of my own mind came a newfound joy that had spread from the inside out.
During this project, I committed to sit for meditation every day no matter how busy I was. I was amazed at what I experienced with that commitment. When I would sit to meditate, without effort I would fall into very deep states where my body and my thoughts were completely still. In this space, sometimes I would feel my own heart pulsating with love and a quiet energy. Other times, there was just utter stillness; nothingness. It was glorious! I would come out of meditation filled with awe and gratitude, completely rejuvenated. This was such an amazing shift of perception for me. Before, I thought I had to work very hard in meditation to still my mind. By carrying the same intention with which I performed seva into my meditation practice, it too became completely effortless and full of joy. The experience of seva and meditation had become one and the same.
During this month of September, I invite you to learn more about the practice of seva by studying the teachings on the Siddha Yoga path website and Gurumayi’s talk “Seva Creates a Pond of Nectar” in her book Enthusiasm.
May the practice of seva unfold great joy within you!
Warm regards,
Nandani Bhargava
A Siddha Yoga Student
There is no doubt in my mind that the Siddha Yoga practice of
seva has changed my life. When I visited Shree Nityananda Ashram (now Shree Muktananda Ashram) in 1979 to take my first Intensive with Baba, I was just 26. The
seva that I offered was in housekeeping.
One day I was scrubbing the grout between the tiles when I felt a wave of bliss arise. I was thrilled to be washing these beautiful tiles that were soon to have Baba’s feet walking over them. I had never felt so completely satisfied by an action—and such a simple action! This was marvelous, and my first conscious experience of worship. I had no doubt that as long as I could offer
seva, my life would always be worthwhile.
And so, 36 years later, I still offer
seva to my Guru whenever I can.
Seva has been the divine thread that has brought meaning, higher purpose, and transformation to my wonderful life!
New York, USA
The Siddha Yoga practice of
seva has changed my understanding of what work can be.
I used to feel removed from my work, viewing it as something I did for someone else, and for money alone. Then, when I began offering
seva at the Siddha Yoga meditation center I attended, and later at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I experienced a powerful cleansing sensation that was so satisfying, so pure, and so blissful all at once. Over time, each
seva I offered seemed to bring the exact challenges I needed in order to grow and learn more.
While it wasn’t always easy in the moment, looking back, it is kind of funny to me now how many fears and inhibitions I overcame in the process of facing them. This is what inspired me to continue. I found capabilities within myself and inner resources I didn’t even know I had.
It is impossible to overstate what I have learned from offering
seva. The most important lesson of all for me was learning that I can offer my work to the highest, straight from my heart and soul, and I thank God that the Guru called this forth from me through the practice of
seva.
New York, USA
So many gems in this letter. Thank you! I especially noted, "I have been reflecting on how my understanding and experience of
seva is illuminated by Gurumayi’s Message for 2015.” The Message has illuminated
my path this year in so many ways, especially my experience with meditation.
This letter prompted me to contemplate how my understanding and experience of each of the other Siddha Yoga practices has been illuminated by Gurumayi’s Message for 2015. And I was amazed to find and to articulate for myself the progress I am making in my
sadhana. I continue to remember that turning within is key.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your grace and guidance.
California, USA
The first
seva I offered was helping to prepare a building for the new Siddha Yoga Meditation Center in Naples. It was an incredible experience. I was scraping wallpaper off the walls for many hours, and I was full of energy. As the wallpaper came off, I felt I was welcoming a new life. I will never forget this great experience!
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Naples, Italy
Reading the letter and the shares regarding it, I am reminded of my deep longing to offer
seva and experience its essence in all areas of my life. I am reminded of the experience of surrender that I have glimpsed while offering
seva and of the gratitude and blessings that accompany the practice of
seva. I am reminded of the love I experience for God, the Guru, and the Siddha Yoga path.
Florida, USA
I love this letter because
seva has been a very powerful spiritual practice for me. Through the practice of
seva, I have learned many different things. And there are three lessons that have been crucial to my life. Through
seva, I have learned to work in a team environment, to always include others, and to truly listen to other people. I have learned to offer the fruit of my actions to God by practicing detachment. I have also learned to focus on what I am doing with intent. Learning these lessons has transformed my life, work, and personal relationships. Because of
seva, every part of my life has been enhanced. I have become more cooperative, patient, focused.
I am very grateful to the Siddha Yoga Gurus for teaching us the beauty of selfless service.
Quebec, Canada
Nandani’s letter encouraged me to embrace
seva opportunities with openness and wholehearted enthusiasm. I, too, have experienced that every
seva I offer gives me an opportunity to progress in
sadhana.
Even when I am offering the same type of
seva, each time I offer it, I experience something new. And when I offer
seva in different departments, I still experience the same great power.
Dombivli, India
I have had the good fortune to offer
seva in many areas. In all the different
sevas that I have offered, my inner experience is the same. While offering
guruseva, I feel as if I am swimming in an ocean of freedom. I’m so grateful.
Rome, Italy
Reflecting on
seva, my inspiration today comes as I witness our five-month-old baby’s pure offering to the world around her. With her smile and her laughter, she lightens everyone’s heart, transforming every situation.
Montréal, Canada
After reading Nandani’s inspiring letter, I immediately began to read Gurumayi’s talk, "
Seva Creates a Pond of Nectar." Although I have read this talk many times, the words seemed fresh and new and alive with Gurumayi’s transforming power and grace.
I am looking forward to continuing to read, study, and bring the teachings from this talk into my life—to the
seva I offer at the local chanting and meditation group, to caring for my family and home, and to my work setting.
California, USA
What I experience the most while offering
seva is gratitude.
I feel so grateful that I have the opportunity, the privilege, and the honor to serve my Guru, Gurumayi.
New York, USA
Seva is the practice that has always fascinated me, and which drew me to Siddha Yoga. Ever since I used to participate in the local Siddha Yoga meditation center as a child, I have always felt
seva to be such a refreshing, joyful, and strong practice.
During vacation time when I was at university, I used to come to Gurudev Siddha Peeth to offer
seva, and I can see clearly the transformation that took place. I used to be a very shy person, but through offering
seva in different roles, I have learned to be confident and self-motivating.
I experience so much joy working with other sevites, as we support each other in advancing the success of a Siddha Yoga event, or in fulfilling the purpose of a particular
seva.
I feel honored that Gurumayi gives me the opportunity to offer
seva. Thank you, Gurumayi ji, for your blessings in my life.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Nandani’s letter has reminded me of the joy that I feel when I offer
seva, which is one of my favorite practices. I especially loved hearing about the way that Nandani’s experience of
seva unfolded in her meditation. Now I look forward to practicing something similar. What a sublime way to get into meditation!
London, United Kingdom
All day today, I have been thinking about the word
seva. My day is ending, I decide to visit the website—and there it is!
What a beautiful letter, and a relevant one for me too: I am starting a new
seva, and I too feel out of my comfort zone. I feel gratitude and excitement, and I also have some questions. Nandani’s letter will certainly help me as I continue to contemplate the meaning of this practice. Many thanks!
New York, USA
Nandani’s beautiful letter reminds me of the times I have had the opportunity to offer
seva for Shaktipat Intensives at the local chanting and meditation group. Each time, I have been amazed at the intensity of the
shakti in the hall, and the overflowing love that arises in my heart.
The practice of
seva always opens up my heart and my life to some new and powerful experience of the Guru and her love. I love serving the Guru and this path of the heart—through offering
seva!
Florida, USA
Practicing
seva has made me fall in love with myself. It cools my mind. And I have the pleasure of knowing that I am offering service to my Guru.
Offering
seva makes me happy.
Indore, India
For the past few weeks, I have been contemplating
guruseva and my understanding of it. On the eve of September first, I decided to choose one of Gurumayi’s books to read as a daily practice this month. I took
Enthusiasm from the shelf.
The next day I read Nandani’s letter about
seva as the focus for the month of September and that a chapter in
Enthusiasm is recommended for study. I was amazed and grateful yet again for the Siddha Yoga path website, which connects Siddha Yogis around the world to Gurumayi’s grace and teachings.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
New York, USA
I am inspired by this letter. I made a list of the beautiful and powerful descriptive words Nandani shared to express her experience of
seva. Here are some of the words on my list: learning and growing, one-pointedness, wholeheartedness, God and grace, challenge, amazing transformation, meditation, pulsing with love, quiet energy, awe and gratitude, full of joy!
I will post this list on my board for reflection and to offer gratitude for the abundance of love and blessings offered to me through the spiritual practice of
seva.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
New York, USA
This beautiful letter from Nandani touched me deeply. It illustrated for me the importance of attitude in offering
seva. I particularly love the way Nandani reminded herself that “this was no ordinary work— this was
seva, and, no matter what, there could only be learning and growing.”
As I continue to walk this beautiful path,
seva is my real-time guide and my connection to the Guru. Increasingly, I see the sense of separation between
seva and my worldly life dissolving, allowing me to live more and more in the unbroken awareness of grace.
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi.
California, USA
Nandani’s inspiring letter reminded me of the many ways that offering
seva over the last few decades has expanded my understanding.
I remember one experience years ago at Gurudev Siddha Peeth, when we were preparing the Ashram for a big celebration. There were so many projects undertaken, so many exquisite decorations being prepared, so many
sevites focused one-pointedly on the assignment before them.
It was truly a magnificent
seva festival!
At one point I began to wonder whether all this effort was necessary. But the intense devotion permeating the activity soon moved me into a different awareness. I could see the Guru’s compassion and generosity in creating so many opportunities for us to express our love for her and her mission through offering
seva. I have come to understand that when I offer
seva with an open heart, and without attachment to the fruits, I receive countless gifts of grace enriching my life, my heart, and my
sadhana. Connecticut, USA
Nandani’s letter beautifully expresses the joy that comes through offering
seva with focus and enthusiasm, always remembering to ask for grace.
When I offer
seva in that way, I often feel I am swimming in a river of grace that carries me forward and supports me in performing that
seva. Each week as I offer
seva coordinating
satsangs at the local center, I work with many different
sevites. As each one offers their skill, their focus, and their love in preparing for
satsang, it seems as if many rivers of grace are flowing.
Satsang is where those rivers come together. As we do the practices at
satsang, it feels as if we are diving deep into an ocean of grace.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the grace-filled practice of
seva.
Massachusetts, USA
Seva is a steady source of spiritual nourishment for me. Whenever I make room in my weekly schedule to offer
seva, whether at the local Siddha Yoga meditation center or as a home sevite, I can feel that my connection to the Guru is being strengthened. I also value the way that
seva allows me to express my gratitude to the Guru as direct, beneficial action.
I will be happy to honor its transformative power through further study in the month of September. I look forward to gaining new insights into deepening this practice in my own life.
Oregon, USA
