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Summary of Question:	Sometimes I Really Like Sewa; Does It Take Away From Selflessness?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Monday, 9/30/2002 10:39 PM MDT

Sat sri Akaal.

I have lately had a great inner prompting to perform charity for elderly in nursing homes, and those receiving nursing assistance in their private homes, by creating a drive to collect books for these old folks. I work for a romance-novel publisher which does a monthly subscription service at high rates, and many customers are old people who cannot afford even the small pleasures on fixed incomes. For many, their calls to my department bring them the only human voices they hear for weeks at a stretch; and while I constantly catch trouble for keeping them on the phone longer than the three-minute maximum, I can't treat them like a number, or be nothing but a talking machine.

If I had my way, I would provide them with the literature and conversation which is their lifeline. I don't want any news stories about it, no glory. I just want to see Granny's face when she gets a couple of titles from her favorite author. I ask you: to derive enjoyment from doing the charity, does this affect the selfless aspect of true Sewa? Where is the dividing line; when is it no longer enjoying doing for others, but becoming prideful? I do not desire to go off on an ego-trip. Is it possible that, in doing service for others, you can end up doing yourself a positive service too.. and is it a bad thing?

Blessings,

Elizabeth
(really confused right now!)
REPLY) Sat Nam. There's nothing to be confused about. Seva should be done joyfully -- and so long as you're not trying to glorify yourself, why shouldn't you enjoy it? Serving the God in others should make us happy, not miserable! So do what you're doing, and of course, it is unavoidable that when we serve others, we benefit! there's nothing wrong in that so that as that is not the motivation. Quit being so hard on yourself. Blessings. SP