Seva experience shared by sevadars

Sevadars at the Ashram share their feelings, vision and thoughts about seva in their own words.

We all feel that the Seva team is a big part of the heart of the Ashram. While they travel through their own process, they serve the place and honour it with their presence and commitment.

It was our turn to learn their thoughts and feelings. We asked the sevadars at the Ashram Ram Dass Guru about their seva experience, and this is what we found out.

“Seva is an experience to confront your ego”

Seva is more than you expect. The mind thinks it knows what it is, but in my experience I am realising that what comes to the surface is not chosen mentally: it is something that has to come out by itself. Seva can seem boring, routine, sad… but I am realising that this is just my judgement. In reality it is an open space to recognise emotions, confront them and go beyond, to see what comes next.

Seva is an experience to confront your ego, your limits and fears, and to have a taste of your power: your inner voice. It can confront you in a very simple way, but it can give you a profound challenge and opportunity. It depends on how sincere you are with yourself. Seva is a space where you can observe yourself, your thoughts, your behaviour and all the judgement that comes from them. It is a healing space. (KRK)

“Seva is like treasure hunting”

You have your crew with you, the sails are already hoisted, and you know for sure there must be something very valuable and unique under the surface. So you need some courage, discipline and good navigation. Don’t lose sight of your goal, and be aware of the various sea monsters that appear on your adventure.

But I will tell you a secret: when you face them, you find out they are not evil, and they just lead you closer to what you want. It’s not always easy; it’s just what it is. In the end, maybe you already know what is waiting for you. It’s a wonderful journey and you become a very rich person. (HPNK)

“Seva is sometimes the hardest thing to do”

Seva is sometimes the hardest thing to do and, if you achieve it, the most beautiful place to be. It takes all you can bring and gives you more than you could ever imagine. It is a journey that will lead you to unknown places and, if you surrender, revelation shall come. (DBK)

“For me, seva also means communication, contact, creativity”

I associate trust with seva: doing the right job at the right time. Where there is resistance, there is also a way. I am learning that discipline comes from trust. My job is to recognise and increase the lightness and passion behind the work. I can feel responsible for every corner and every speck of dust, but I am learning that every little task and gesture is service.

It is more than cleaning and washing dishes. It is a life together, shorter for some and longer for others, where we argue, clarify and forgive, love, have compassion, understand and help. For me, seva also means communication, contact and creativity.