The concept of SEVA or SERVICE in Jain philosophy.

The primary tenet of Jain philosophy is AHIMSA or non-violence. This is used in the widest possible sense of the word and applies in any form to any living being. Mindfulness not to cause hurt to any living beings in thought, speech or deed is therefore the first duty of a Jain. This is a passive expression, and this was not the intention of the Jain elders when they codified the sacred texts (especially in respect of the Jain laity). To take its real meaning, one is expected to behave in such a way as to not cause discomfort and to do what one can to alleviate pain and suffering.

How does one achieve this? The two ways that immediately come to mind are seva and dana. Service to the deserving and charity to the needy.

To quote from TATTVARTHA SUTRA, a 2nd century universal Jain text;
parasparopagraho jivanam : Souls render service to one another. TS V.21

This may be considered analogous to the English saying: “No man is an island”

This famous quote by the English poet John Donne in his work MEDITATION XVII means that all human beings depend on one another. Jainism believes in universal life and extends this saying to all living beings including the elements of nature: earth, water, air, fire and vegetation. Service in Jainism is therefore awareness in terms of not misusing, not wasting, not polluting, not hurting, not killing and not making any being feel uncomfortable.

To make life comfortable in any way is therefore considered to be service or seva. Protection of life has been expressed by Lord Mahavir in his first scripture called Acharanga Sutra aphorism I.4.1.(1)

“ … … … all breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away.”

“Compassion through charity for all living beings, ... ... ... ...” quoted from the Tattvartha Sutra VI.13 Clearly suggests that charity is a meritorious deed which delivers the fruit of pleasure and comfort in future life and birth.

One can see from these brief excerpts that in Jainism, compassion and charity is therefore not just a philosophy or a religious tenet, it is a way of life in all things one does every day. It is the way that we serve our fellow men, look after our environment and progress along our spiritual path.

Dr Harshad N Sanghrajka