33 million people are currently uprooted by war worldwide. In an Afghanistan refugee camp, a child receives Vitamin A to protect against measles.

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The Sanskrit word Seva translates directly as “thread”, implying that all things are connected in the thread of existence. To engage with one is to engage with the whole. Likewise, to serve one is to serve the whole.

In its current use, seva is a spiritual practice of selfless service, springing from two forms of yoga, Karma Yoga which is the yoga of action, and Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of worship inspired by divine love. Seva can be as simple as helping a child cross a street, or as difficult as caring for refugees in a war torn land a world away. Nevertheless, seva is one of the most profound and life changing of practices. However we chose to express our own unique seva practice, we ultimately test our altruism and put our spiritual knowledge into action.

Through the spirit of selfless action, when we have nothing to gain and nothing to lose by not doing, performing Seva all the time to our family, and our activities, we attain that height of realization whereby our mind becomes absorbed in God. The practice of Seva becomes a path to self-realization which is the essence of yoga.

Seva should be done with no expectation of reward or even acknowledgment of the work that is done. We serve not to convert or save a soul, but simply to serve and for no other reason. No strings attached. No carrots. Make yourself invisible and do acts of kindness without expectation of return, coming from a place of love.

Below are a few examples of people doing seva in the world. I hope you will support them and their work in any way you can. Their seva may become your seva, or create your own expression in your community.

Chinese Medical Oncology Seva

As another form of seva, I am making Chinese Medical Oncology treatments available for anyone with cancer at a reduced rate at my office on Montana Avenue (google map), in Santa Monica, CA. Because it’s hard enought fighting cancer.

Tuesday is Seva Day at the Clinic

In honor of my father who did similarly in his practice, I am making Tuesday a day of seva. All treatments are $40. If you are a student or financially challenged, I will work on a sliding scale and donation basis as well on Tuesdays. Spaces are limited and reserved for those with financial hardship.

Sarah McLachlan: world on fire

Gorgeous! This video beautifully expresses the spirit of service. Breaking down the varying costs of a typical music video ($150,000) and then showing what services could have been done for those in need with that money. Needless to say, $150,000 goes a long, long way in the poorest parts of the world. Click on the link below the video and see where the $150,000 was actually spent and just how far that much money can go to changing lives.

Service as a Spiritual Path

Ram Dass and the Seva Foundation

The non-profit Seva Foundation has played a inspirational role in integrating spirituality with organizational action. Ram Dass has been an important spokesperson for seva and the foundation which bears the name. Here he articulates the path of seva as a spiritual practice.

www.seva.org

Oxfam  /  Make Trade Fair

United for a more equitable world

Oxfam International is a confederation of 12 organizations working together with over 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice. Oxfam International seeks increased worldwide public understanding that economic and social justice are crucial to sustainable development.

Make Fair Trade is a growing, international movement which ensures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and guarantees a living income), long-term contracts which provide real security; and for many, support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses and increase sales.

Read more about the rigged rules and double standards of world trade at the Make Tread Fair campaign site. Click on the View Animation button for simple, animated illustrations on how unfair trade practices work.

www.oxfam.org/en

www.maketradefair.com

Seedling of Hope

HIV/AIDS Hospice in Cambodia

Catholic Relief Mission

Seedling of Hope is a rare act of courage in the world. The Catholic Relief Mission and Father Jim Noonan created the HIV/AIDS Hospice in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as a refuge for victims of AIDS/HIV. They serve the dying who otherwise would have nowhere to turn. Here they can die with grace and dignity.

The Work of Karl Grobl

Interview by Journalist and Photographer, Ingrid Lindemann

The inspiring work of humanitarian photojournalist Karl Grobl has moved many viewers to take action. His work causes reflection upon and empathy with another human beings struggle, while respecting their dignity. His imagery reveals a common humanity, allowing viewers to see a bit of themselves in others, half a world away.

www.karlgrobl.com

Trees for the Future

A people-to-people action plan restoring trees to the world’s most degraded lands. Planting trees helps keep people productive on their lands, preserving their traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations to come.

plant-trees.org

Seva in the Clinic