Sadhguru says that in Seva, we touch the essence of humanity, finding our true selves through selfless service. Sadhana is the soul’s quiet fire, burning illusions to reveal our timeless nature. Sankirtan reminds us that devotion can be joyous—a surrender that celebrates unity with the Divine.
Article | Varanasi | March 14, 2023
Sadhguru: Life often presents itself as a complex weave of duties, desires, and spiritual callings, and within these lie profound lessons that have been practised and revered for centuries. Among the most transformative of these practices are Seva (selfless service), Sadhana (spiritual practice), and Sankirtan (Glorification of the Divine). These three pillars offer timeless wisdom that can enhance personal growth, connect us deeply with our communities, and guide us toward a more enlightened existence. By exploring the profound teachings of Seva, Sadhana, and Sankirtan, we can understand how each can serve as a roadmap to navigate the various facets of life with intention, compassion, and purpose.
Lesson 1: Seva (Selfless Service)
Seva, or selfless service, is one of the most foundational practices in numerous spiritual traditions worldwide. Rooted in compassion, humility, and giving without expectation, Seva teaches us the essence of true altruism.
In Seva, we find the essence of humanity; through selfless acts, we remember that our true self is found in serving others.
Understanding Seva
At its core, Seva is serving others without seeking personal gain. Whether through actions big or small, Seva encourages us to extend our hands and hearts to others. In ancient scriptures and teachings, Seva is often considered the highest form of worship. Through Seva, we embody the spirit of selflessness, transcending ego and allowing a genuine connection with those we serve.
The Inner Transformation of Seva
Seva has a transformative effect on our inner lives. When we serve without expecting anything in return, our mind shifts from a place of self-centeredness to an expansive state of being. In this state, we experience:
Reduction of Ego: By engaging in Seva, we detach from the need for recognition. This humbling process encourages us to let go of personal pride, allowing us to dissolve our sense of separateness.
Compassionate Living: Seva cultivates a natural sense of empathy. As we work to alleviate the struggles of others, our compassion deepens, nurturing the very core of our humanity.
Cultivating Gratitude: Engaging in Seva highlights the blessings in our own lives, fostering gratitude for our fortunes.
Sadhana is the quiet fire of the soul, a practice that burns away illusions to reveal the timeless self within.
Seva in Practice: Practical Examples
To truly embrace Seva, it is essential to recognize that selfless service is not confined to particular acts but can be infused into our daily routines. Here are some ways we can integrate Seva:
Serving in our Local Communities: Volunteering at shelters, teaching underprivileged children, or organizing food drives are tangible ways to give back.
Supporting Family and Friends: Offering genuine support to loved ones without expecting anything in return can be a form of Seva.
Environmental Service: Serving the planet by planting trees, reducing waste, and advocating for sustainability is Seva in its broadest sense, as it benefits all of existence.
The Lesson of Seva: Shifting Focus from Self to Others
Seva teaches us that we are part of a larger whole. When we serve without attachment to the results, we allow ourselves to align with the flow of life. True service comes from recognizing the oneness in all beings, creating a more compassionate, interconnected world.
Through Sankirtan, we do not just sing; we glorify the Divine, inviting the sacred to resonate within our hearts and lives.
Lesson 2: Sadhana (Spiritual Practice)
Sadhana, or dedicated spiritual practice, serves as a means of inner refinement and self-discovery. Through the discipline of Sadhana, we can connect with our higher selves, unearthing layers of the mind and spirit that often remain dormant.
Understanding Sadhana
Sadhana involves any disciplined practice that aligns the mind, body, and soul toward a state of inner harmony. Practices like meditation, yoga, prayer, or even mindful journaling can form one’s Sadhana. The purpose of Sadhana is not only to achieve peace or attain spiritual milestones but also to explore and deepen our relationship with ourselves and the divine.
Benefits of Sadhana: Awakening Inner Potential
Sadhana teaches us discipline and helps bring clarity to our purpose and actions. The beauty of Sadhana lies in its ability to:
Cultivate Inner Stillness: In a world filled with distractions, Sadhana provides a sanctuary of calm where we can connect to our inner being.
Enhance Self-Awareness: Through regular practice, we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and reactions, gaining insights into the patterns that shape our lives.
Awaken Higher Consciousness: Sadhana enables us to transcend the ordinary layers of the mind, connecting us to higher states of awareness and expanded consciousness.
Types of Sadhana Practices
Sadhana is not limited to any single practice. Each individual can adapt their Sadhana to suit their unique spiritual needs and paths:
Meditation: Silent sitting or guided meditation practices calm the mind and nurture the soul.
Pranayama (Breathwork): Breathwork energizes the body, calms the mind, and centres one’s focus.
Mantra Sadhana: The repetition of a sacred mantra allows one to tune into higher vibrations, focusing the mind on the divine.
True Seva is a gift we give without expectation; it is the art of giving from the heart, knowing that every soul we serve is part of ourselves.
The Lesson of Sadhana: Discipline and Inner Connection
Sadhana teaches us the importance of commitment. The regularity and dedication it requires discipline of the mind, creating resilience against life’s challenges. Through Sadhana, we learn to detach from the transient nature of external circumstances and connect to the eternal self within.
Lesson 3: Sankirtan (Glorification of the Divine)
Sankirtan, the act of singing or chanting the names and glories of the Divine, is a powerful practice that allows us to honour and immerse ourselves in the sacred presence of higher energy. Through collective devotion and joyful expression, Sankirtan serves as a bridge connecting the soul with the Divine, fostering a deep sense of reverence and gratitude.
In Sadhana, we learn that our inner stillness is the doorway to a vast, boundless reality beyond the mind's grasp.
Understanding Sankirtan as Divine Glorification
Sankirtan is much more than music or ritual; it is a form of deep spiritual communion. Originating in various traditions, particularly in Bhakti yoga, Sankirtan is the practice of coming together to sing praises of the Divine. By chanting sacred names, mantras, and devotional hymns, Sankirtan transforms the atmosphere, filling it with vibrations that resonate with the Divine’s presence. Through this process, participants experience a profound unity with both the Divine and each other, transcending worldly distinctions.
The Spiritual Essence of Sankirtan
Glorifying the Divine through Sankirtan serves as a reminder of the beauty and vastness of spiritual love. Engaging in Sankirtan offers us:
A Direct Path to Devotion: When we sing or chant with sincere hearts, we bypass the intellect, connecting directly with our soul’s yearning for the Divine.
Transcendence of the Self: In the act of glorifying the Divine, individual identity is surrendered, allowing participants to experience the boundless nature of universal consciousness.
A Channel for Divine Blessings: It is believed that singing the Divine’s praises invites divine grace, bringing peace and healing into the lives of those who participate.
Sankirtan is a reminder that devotion can be joyful, where surrender is not a loss but a celebration of unity with the Divine.
Ways to Glorify the Divine through Sankirtan
Sankirtan can take many forms and be adapted into one’s daily life, making it a versatile path to connect with the Divine:
Chanting the Holy Names: Repeating sacred names or mantras, allows the mind to align with divine energy, dissolving worries and fostering inner harmony.
Writing and Proclamation: Through Written and Verbal proclamation, writing divine glories or your spiritual and devotional experience.
Singing Devotional Songs and Bhajans: Sadhanpada, Devotional Bhajans and Kirtans, sung with devotion, open the heart to the Divine, creating a spiritual atmosphere that is both uplifting and healing.
Group Chanting and Gatherings: Participating in group Sankirtan gatherings or kirtan festivals amplifies the energy, making the experience even more powerful as collective devotion fills the environment.
The Lesson of Sankirtan: Glorifying the Divine as a Path to Inner Joy
Sankirtan, in its essence, is an act of love and glorification. By praising the Divine with song, we allow our hearts to overflow with joy, gratitude, and surrender. It is an experience of divine celebration—a chance to recognize the sacred within ourselves and all around us. When we glorify the Divine, we invite divine grace to flow through us, filling our lives with light and peace. Sankirtan thus reminds us that spiritual growth is not always solemn; it can also be joyous, expansive, and filled with love for the Divine presence that permeates all of existence.
When Seva, Sadhana, and Sankirtan unite, life becomes a journey of purpose, awakening, and profound peace.
Integrating Seva, Sadhana, and Sankirtan in Life
Together, Seva, Sadhana, and Sankirtan provide a holistic approach to life that enriches the soul. They complement each other, creating a balanced spiritual practice:
Seva opens the heart through service.
Sadhana sharpens the mind through discipline.
Sankirtan uplifts the spirit through joy.
By incorporating these lessons into daily life, we create a foundation for both inner peace and external harmony. Through Seva, we transcend selfishness; through Sadhana, we master our mind; and through Sankirtan, we celebrate the divine in everything. Each offers a unique yet interconnected path to spiritual evolution, encouraging us to live a life of meaning, fulfilment, and love.
These three paths serve as timeless guides, offering insights into a life lived with purpose, compassion, and deep spiritual connection. Whether through selfless service, dedicated spiritual practice, or a joyous celebration, the teachings of Seva, Sadhana, and Sankirtan illuminate the way toward a life of inner fulfilment and universal harmony.
