Selfless Service and Spiritual Progress

 

Selfless Service and Spiritual Progress

All across the globe we are witnessing heavy rains and floods which has resulted in untold damage to life and property. The scenes all over the world are tragic to say the least. Compassion starts flowing when one sees such scenes and one feels like doing something to help those in dire straits – it could be anything, donating money, clothes, food packets, volunteering physical help in rescue and rehabilitation efforts – it has to be selfless and without any ulterior motives. When your service is selfless out of the kindness of your heart, at this point you are very close to God, your soul is guiding you to do what is right.

In the words of Sri M, “An activity that benefits others – feeding the hungry, sharing knowledge with the unknowing, resolving the suffering of others, worshipping the poor, and serving the needy – thinking of them as the very personification of God. One’s spiritual purification is realised only through this selfless service. Service is the best way; serve others and do your Sadhana alongside. Both must be combined.”

Selfless service takes you closer to your soul and increases your soul consciousness which results in giving your spiritual progress a booster dose. It is an essential key to happiness and fulfillment. When selfless service is done at the soul level, it is considered as the highest form of service from an existential perspective, because the ultimate goal of each soul is moksha or liberation and not just material growth or enjoyment on earth!

But again, the truth is that, if the basic needs are not taken care of, no soul can improve at the soul level, which means, spiritual growth is possible only if the basic needs are fulfilled. One thing one must always remember that the service one offers should not be for name, fame or glory and to show off in society! It is also important as to how the service is being performed, whether it is from a comfort zone or if it is being done in tough and trying conditions! The Universe is observing all this – it is not about what one is offering but in what conditions one is offering and with what intent – that is what matters in the eyes of the Universe.

So, to conclude apart from one’s meditation and allied spiritual practice one has to serve society, give back to society without any expectations with love and compassion, that is what will help you in your spiritual progress.