Alleviation of Suffering
Objective:
To remember that worthwhile service focuses on the joy and benefit of the recipient, rather than our own needs and desires.
Quotes:
The service that you render must reward you, not only with your satisfaction, but with the satisfaction and relief of those whom you serve. When those whom you serve are not relieved or made happy thereby, of what avail is your elation or exultation at the help you have been allowed to offer? You should have the joy of the recipient as your objective. Do not sit back and talk of your having done what is expected of you but try to discover whether your act of service has really been worthwhile, whether it has been intelligently rendered with full appreciation of the peculiar circumstances of the individual who needed it. Sathya Sai Speaks 13.18: November 14, 1975
Whatever pilgrimages we may undertake, our hearts hanker only after worldly objects and hence no cleansing of the heart occurs. The individual’s quest for liberation is self centered. This is not right. One should strive to help others also to achieve liberation. That is true service. Few have such large-hearted approach today. Sathya Sai Speaks 20.26: November 19, 1987
Sathya Sai centers have to bear in mind the word “seva” (selfless service) and take up selfless work enthusiastically. Selfless service must be directed towards the removal of physical distress, the alleviation of mental agony and the fulfillment of spiritual yearning. Sathya Sai Speaks 7.18: April 21, 1967
Suggested Questions:
- What can we do to make sure our service is intelligently rendered?
- Can you share a service in which you participated where the recipient conveyed the joy they experienced?
- How can we focus on giving joy to the recipient while still not being attached to the results of our service?
Life Application:
During the course of the coming week, think of how you can give happiness to a person who is in your life, at home, work or the community.