Why is Seva or selfless service, a more effective spiritual practice than all else? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us today.

Man adopts various means to achieve liberation (from the bondage of mundane existence). Penance is performed for whose sake? It is for one’s own benefit and not for the good of others, nor even for the Supreme Self. In the performance of japa (recitation of the Lord’s name), it must be noted that it is done for one’s own satisfaction and not for the welfare of others. What is it one should do to secure redemption from the cycle of worldly existence? Chanting the Lord’s name or performing sacrifices or doing other rituals will be of no avail. You have to render service to your fellow human beings. Service is the highest form of worship and the best penance. Seva is the true japa (reciting the Lord’s name). Money that is lost can be earned again. A lost friend may be got back again. Even the loss of a wife can be made up by remarriage. But, if the present body is lost, it cannot be got back again. Hence, the body is highly sacred. For what purpose should this sacred body be protected? The body has to be protected because, verily, it is the primary means of performing dharma (righteous action).