Sewa in Sikhism

This section explains Sewa in Sikhism. In Sikhism, Sewa refers to the practice of selfless service, where individuals help others without expecting any reward or personal gain. It is a key principle in Sikh philosophy and is seen as a way to serve Waheguru (God) by serving humanity. Sewa is not merely a charitable act but an essential part of Sikh life, embodying the teachings of the Gurus and helping to foster a spirit of humility, equality, and love for all people.

Importance of Sewa

Performing Sewa holds significant importance in Sikhism for several reasons:

• Demonstrating Equality and Love for All
  Sewa embodies the Sikh belief in the equality of all people. By helping others, Sikhs actively practice the idea that every individual, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background, is equal in the eyes of Waheguru. This belief in equality extends to all members of the sangat (the community of Sikhs) and the wider society.
• Serving Waheguru through Service to Others
  Sikhs believe that by showing love and respect for others, they are showing love for Waheguru, who is present in every living being. Therefore, helping others is seen as serving Waheguru directly. This view strengthens the spiritual connection between Sikhs and their Creator, reinforcing the idea that selfless service is an act of devotion.
• Promoting Gurmukh Values
  Engaging in Sewa helps Sikhs to cultivate a gurmukh (God-centred) lifestyle. This means they focus on the needs of others, and by doing so, they orient their lives towards spiritual growth and away from selfish desires. Serving others helps them move closer to Waheguru and reinforces the Sikh ideal of living a selfless, righteous life.
• Avoiding Manmukh Behaviour
  By performing Sewa, Sikhs are less likely to become manmukh (self-centred). The focus is not on individual gain but on the well-being of others, which helps individuals overcome the distractions of ego, self-interest, and pride. Sewa shifts the focus away from personal desires and towards spiritual fulfilment through service.
• Moving Away from the Five Vices
  The act of performing Sewa helps Sikhs move away from the five vices (lust, greed, anger, attachment, and pride) that are considered obstacles to spiritual progress. By focusing on the needs of others, Sikhs can avoid the negative emotions and desires that distract from their pursuit of mukti (liberation).

As stated in the Guru Granth Sahib:

"One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master."
(Guru Granth Sahib, 286)

This reflects the Sikh belief that Sewa purifies the soul and brings one closer to the divine.

Types of Sewa

In Sikhism, there are three types of Sewa, which are seen as complementary and equally important. Sikhs aim to engage in all three aspects of Sewa in their daily lives, although an individual may be able to contribute more to one type depending on their personal circumstances.

1. Tan (Physical Service)

The Tan aspect of Sewa involves physical actions and tasks. This could include activities such as cooking and serving food in the langar (community kitchen), cleaning the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), gardening, or helping with any other manual work. This type of service focuses on offering physical labour for the benefit of the community and the sangat. The physical aspect of Sewa is often seen as a means of humbling oneself and contributing to the well-being of others through tangible effort.

2. Man (Mental Service)

The Man aspect of Sewa involves the use of one's intellectual abilities and talents to help others. This could include teaching others about Sikh philosophy, reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, helping people understand the history of Sikhism, or teaching musical instruments used in worship. Sikhs engage their minds in service by sharing knowledge and guiding others in their spiritual development. This type of Sewa helps uplift the community by passing on important teachings and promoting understanding of Sikh values.

3. Dhan (Material Service)

The Dhan aspect of Sewa involves using one’s material wealth to support the community and those in need. This can include donating money, goods, or food to charity, supporting the langar, or helping individuals in times of financial difficulty. Sikhs who engage in Dhan practice generosity and selflessness, ensuring that their wealth is used for the benefit of others. One specific practice is Daswandh, where Sikhs donate a portion (typically one-tenth) of their income to the sangat or to charitable causes.

Conclusion

All three types of Sewa – Tan, Man, and Dhan – are equally important in Sikhism. Sikhs are encouraged to perform these types of service regularly, ensuring that their actions, thoughts, and material wealth are all aligned with the values of selflessness, humility, and devotion. By engaging in these practices, Sikhs not only contribute to the well-being of others but also deepen their own spiritual connection with Waheguru.

As expressed in the Guru Granth Sahib:

"Through selfless service, eternal peace is obtained."
(Guru Granth Sahib, 125)

Ultimately, the practice of Sewa helps Sikhs overcome their ego, purify their hearts, and move closer to the ultimate goal of mukti — liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, and union with Waheguru.