Life in the Ashram, 1st in series: Seva (Selfless Service)

Since, as I believe I already mentioned, I cannot be taking photos in the ashram--it is considered sacred grounds, and as with any Indian temple that is sacred, this rule applies--I must resort to stock images, such as the one you see above. 

But I want you, my readers, to get a good look at this image, because, unbelievably, this sort of thing is a common sight in the ashram and elsewhere in India! Specifically, women "dressed to the nines", as it were, in saris and fancy punjabi dresses, doing physical work such as sweeping! What is more, the insanity of the TYPE of broom you see above is totally typical, from what I have seen: that is to say, a bunch of some sort of plant fiber tied together at one end, and no handle to speak of! Is it back breaking to use one of these implements?! You better believe it! At least, for us westerners. The Indians, unfathomably, don't seem to mind them one bit, or this MOST uncomfortable position that must be assumed to use this sort of broom. 

Now, this is my jumping off spot for my discussion of seva: it's meaning, purpose and travails! 

Seva, or selfless service, means that you are not doing the work for personal gain, be it monetary or otherwise. In other words, you are doing it for the benefit of others. But let me clarify further: the by-product IS personal gain, in the sense that there is great satisfaction to be gained. Peace of mind and gratification are the prize, though not necessarily easily come by! But, if one is vigilant, as I strive to be, the reward is significant.

To give a concrete example: I am part of a group of "sevites" whose responsibility it is, every day, to sweep a magnificently beautiful, marble-floored courtyard. Ironically, planted in this courtyard are several very large mango trees. The mango tree, as it transpires, is the epitome of a contradiction: as luscious as its fruits are--awaited with great anticipation as they ripen in the height of the hot season--is as "dirty" as this tree is! On a daily basis, it drops dried up leaves and--get this--BLACK, dried up blossom-type things that shatter when they hit the ground, spreading this dirty, sticky mess for quite a distance! This is what we clean up twice daily! It is a most unpleasant business. To make matters worse, The courtyard is hot. Occasionally there are lovely gusts of wind that temporarily wipe away the intense heat and humidity, but at the same time scattering the mounds of leaves and debris we have just gathered, as well as causing even MORE to drop down from the trees!!!

Here, one has a choice to make: scream, tear one's hair out, alternatively praise and curse the wind... OR... laugh! Laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole situation. The repetitive and futile nature of it all. Realize that, it is not the results of the action that matter, but the process of doing it and watching one's own mind, one's own internal state. It is a small metaphor for absolutely EVERYTHING about life!!! One ALWAYS has a choice: become anxious and distraught over an unfavorable situation, or roll with it, laugh, choose to be joyful no matter what the circumstances. Not care about the results of what one does. Remember "Don't sweat the small stuff..and it's ALL small stuff?!?!" that is a dictum we all shall be living by. The business of cleaning the courtyard is a case in point. 

Additionally, one deals with personalities. We fight--albeit playfully--over who gets the insanely short, whispy Indian brooms, such as you see in the photo above, and who gets one of the only two that has an extension attached, making it possible to sweep without--almost literally!--breaking one's back. I am not always lucky enough to get one of these. And here again, I have to make the best of a difficult situation. If I can mimic the methodology of the Indians, I can minimize the strain to the back..and again, laugh at the absurdity of it all! India has phenomenal technology, yet they can't seem to conjure up a decent broom with which to sweep?!? It is just one of the many strange paradoxical facts about India. Love it, or leave it! I choose to love it....

Well dear readers, that is all I have time for today. I am allotted half hour of internet/PC time... now I am off to a meeting of "Internationals", the small group of 13 hardy souls remaining here to tough out the onslaught of India's brutal hot season. More about that in another blog, to come sometime soon...along with more about seva and other topics. 

Stay safe, be healthy and well! happily, all 130 of us here are....