WINSCOSIN, USA, February 27, 2009 (by Abhipsa Kar): Sewa is any act one performs for the benefit of others. In Sanskrit, it is described in the shloka “Paropakaraya Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam” (any action resulting in the good of others is noble and should be performed). Every service done to others is a service done to oneself and, in effect, a service done to God.
Sewa, an integral part of the spiritual path in Hinduism and one’s dharma, is described in detail in Hindu scripture. Sewa must be done with sincerity and love, but scriptures remind us of those should receive our gratitude and our service. There are five types of responsibilities that any person must honor: 1. a debt to all the natural forces, the Sun, the moon, rain and nature; 2. a debt owed to the teachers in any form; 3. an obligation to parents; 4. a duty to fellow human beings; 5. a responsibility towards the animals.
(To read this essay on Sewa, click on the link above.)