Act for the welfare of others without expectation. Lead by personal example.
Seva is selfless service—action performed for the welfare of others without expectation of reward or recognition. The Gita teaches that the wise act for the welfare of the world (loka-sangraha, 3.20). Seva purifies the heart, dissolves ego, and connects us to something larger than ourselves. When we serve genuinely, we discover that giving and receiving become one; helping others fulfills our own deepest needs.
Application in Leadership
Leaders serve their teams and stakeholders, leading through personal action rather than just direction.
Practical Application
Look for ways to serve in your current roles rather than waiting for special opportunities. Ask: 'How can I make this interaction better for the other person?' Practice anonymous giving—do good without seeking credit. Leaders can embody seva by removing obstacles for their teams, giving credit to others, and rolling up their sleeves alongside those they lead. Start small: hold doors, listen fully, offer help before being asked.
Common Misconceptions
Seva is not martyrdom or self-neglect. You cannot serve sustainably from an empty cup—taking care of yourself enables greater service. It's also not transactional helping—doing good to get something back. True seva has no strings attached. Finally, it's not doing for others what they should do themselves; sometimes the greatest service is empowering others' own growth.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I serve others when I'm barely managing my own responsibilities?
Seva doesn't require grand gestures or extra time—it's about the spirit you bring to what you're already doing. Listening fully to a colleague is seva. Doing your job excellently so others don't have to fix problems is seva. Offering encouragement costs nothing but changes someone's day. Start by serving those closest to you—family, coworkers, neighbors. As you practice, you'll find that service often gives energy rather than depleting it. The busiest people often serve the most because they understand the return.