Seva is a voluntary service to others to attract God’s grace. It is a Selfless service to the humanity and is a unique concept in Sikhism. Seva is the willingness to sacrifice selfish desires for the benefit of larger interest of others as an indication of love and commitment. Seva is the most important conduct expected of a true Sikh. It is a source of love and other virtues in life. It shuns vices and removes pride. It helps those who are needy, poor and sick.
Sikh is always willing to endure pain and suffering in order to provide comfort and facility to others. He does not want another person to suffer through him.
“You have not shunned lust. O brother, you have neither forgotten anger nor avarice. You have not abandoned slander of others. Your service or Seva is fruitless if all these vices are your friend.”
ਕਾਮੁ ਨ ਬਿਸਰਿਓ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਨ ਬਿਸਰਿਓ ਲੋਭੁ ਨ ਛੂਟਿਓ ਦੇਵਾ ॥
ਪਰ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਨਹੀ ਛੂਟੀ ਨਿਫਲ ਭਈ ਸਭ ਸੇਵਾ ॥
(1253)
It is an important event in the Sikh History when the title of Nawab was conferred upon Kapur Singh who accepted this bestowment provided he was not debarred from doing menial Seva (service) in the horse stable and fanning the Sikh congregation
The Gurdwaras are training centers where the Sikhs learn the technique of doing Seva. It may be the Seva of cleaning the building, washing utensils, preparing Langar in the Kitchen etc.
“Whatever good service to humanity is done on this earth, will secure a seat in the Court of Lord.”
Vich dunya sev kamayie ta dargah baisan payie.
ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥
ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
(26)