The more powerful a person is, the greater their influence on others. One of the forms this influence can take is that of service. A strong soul is a source of inspiration and support for many, and they can serve others materially as well as spiritually.
The subtle foundation of service is having good wishes for everyone. Service does not just mean giving advice, saying a few good words, or giving something to the needy. Perhaps the best form of service is to serve in such a way that others experience a sense of fulfilment—from receiving help, hope, courage, or good wishes.
Only those who have enriched and empowered themselves spiritually can serve in this manner. We can share with others only what we have, and when a soul is full of purity, peace, happiness, and compassion, they radiate these qualities, much as a lighthouse sends out a beam of light that guides sailors to the right course. Those who come in contact with such souls experience these qualities in their company, from their words, behaviour, and vibrations, drawing succour and inspiration to empower themselves spiritually.
The other signs of a true server are renunciation, humility, determination in faith, and contentment— with the self, and with others.
Just as purity, peace, and happiness are related—the first is the foundation of the other two—there is a connection between meditation and service. Regular practice of introspection and meditation enables us to look deep within the self to identify, and then remove, the defects that are entrenched within the soul – the vices that result in harmful ways of thinking and behaviour. Connecting with God, the supreme source of purity, by remembering Him, brings His cleansing energy into the soul, which gradually removes all flaws. Someone who has cleansed themselves in this manner can serve by their mere presence. Their look, their face, and their saintly demeanour bring peace, joy, and comfort to the hearts of many.
Some would imagine that such an elevated soul would shun the company of ‘lesser’ mortals, preferring to keep to their rarefied spiritual pursuits. But true service does not mean abhorring the weaknesses of others—it means understanding them with compassion and tolerance, and giving them courage and strength to inspire change. To tolerate means to fill the self with power and share that power with others. Tolerance enables us to live in everyone’s heart. No matter how much opposition one may face, tolerance brings a sweet and lasting fruit in the form of positive change. But there should be no desire for any return for tolerance—it should be informed just by mercy. This is what is meant by doing service.
B.K. Usha is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.