SEVA: Service, Empathy, Virtue and Attentiveness
“If you cannot do great things yourself, remember that you may do small things in a great way.” Swami Chinmayananda
If you’re interested in putting your compassion, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills to work in the service of the community, then here’s what you need to know.
Develop the Attitude of Gratitude and Giving – The concept of the ‘five hrinas’ in the Indian scriptures provide a holistic framework for fulfilling a human life by fulfilling ones duties and responsibilities. The five hrinas or the debts that each individual has are Deva hrina, Rishi hrina, Pitr hrina, Nr hrina and the Bhuta hrina. The individual through specific actions has to pay back the debts to the entities concerned.
Deva hrina, the debt to God can be can be paid back through spiritual practices, prayers, the chanting of mantras, etc., which help the human tune in to the divine cosmic powers.
Rishi hrina, the debt to the rishis or acharyas can be paid back by soaking in the wisdom of the past and gaining clarity about oneself, the cosmos and their interrelationship.
Pitr hrina, the debt to our forefathers and family can be paid back by fulfilling our responsibility towards the family that we belong to, which is the foundation upon which we build the edifice of our personality. The traditions and culture of the family must be maintained and enhanced.
Nr hrina, the debt to the core existence can be paid back by being sensitive to social issues, contributing towards building a strong nation and a progressive society.
Bhuta hrina, the debt to the major cosmic elements can be paid back by being kind to animals, birds, nurturing trees and plants and living with optimum use of natural resources.
SEVA@CVV with its basis of Service, Empathy, Virtue and Attentiveness provides a platform for realising the five hrinas.
The philosophy behind inspiring and engaging youth for SEVA is rooted in the traditional Indian concept of ‘Manava Seva, Madhava Seva’ or ‘Service to humankind is service to God’. Success in life is not attributed to the person alone. His/her immediate psychosocial environment which includes the family, the community and nature determines the realisation of attainment. It is the holistic development of the individual including the body, mind and spirit. SEVA is an endeavour that caters to the domains of the individual as well as the society; and towards the enhancement of the physical, mental and spiritual realms of life.