The Practice of Seva

Seva, or selfless service is work offered to God and the Guru, performed as a pure offering, without attachment to the results of one’s actions and without desire for personal gain.

As we work with others in a spiritual environment, we have a practical means to put the Siddha Yoga teachings into action. During the practice of seva, we perform familiar activities—whether cooking, cleaning, teaching, or working at the computer —with a focus on the Self, with awareness. Siddha Yoga students offer seva at Siddha Yoga retreats, meditation centers, and ashrams, creating a tangible offering of love in action.

We encourage you to learn more about the practice of seva.

In the Bookstore:

• Seva - Selfless Service - A Pond of Nectar: CD. A talk by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

• Enthusiasm chapter 12, Seva Creates a Pond of Nectar by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

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Seva Opportunities at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland include:

• Administrative assistance for a variety of areas

• Amrit Café: serving food and drinks, organizing and cleaning of Amrit

• Bakery: preparing and baking of pastries

• Dish Room: setting up, washing and loading dishwasher and putting away clean dishes and utensils

• Gardening: caring for the gardens, plants and trees around the Ashram

• Housekeeping: caring for the internal physical environment of the Ashram

• Information Technology: data entry, desktop support, network support

• Hall: welcoming, assisting with seating

• Kitchen: preparing and cooking meals; organization and maintenance of the kitchen space

• Maintenance: upkeep of the physical Ashram environment

• Music: chanting with lead group or playing musical instruments

• Welcome Desk: welcoming visitors, answering phone and in person inquiries

Offering Seva as a Visiting Sevite

If you are interested in offering seva as a visiting sevite, please email sevacenter@syaoakland.org.