Om Sai Ram
1
SELFLESS SERVICE- Non-Violence in Action
Supplement Document
Om Sri Sai Ram,
Please note that the PowerPoint and this Word document serve as a guide for a
meaningful discussion on selfless service. Feel free to edit any part of it to fit your
group. This document is a slide-by-slide guide to the accompanying PowerPoint titled
“Selfless Service- Non-Violence in Action”.
The Study Circle facilitator should be familiar with this document prior to the study circle
and use it as a tool to encourage discussion. It includes discussion questions, quotes, and
suggested service activities. The material used to compile the study circle material were
all gathered from Sathya Sai Speaks series, Prema Vahini, Swami’s discourses, and
Guide to Service in American Sathya Sai Baba Centers. Please do send us feedback on
how the study circle went so that we can improve future study circles. Please email
StudyCircle@saiyausa.net.
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram
2
Index
Topic
Title Slide - Selfless Service: Non-Violence in Action
Light Meditation
Introduction
What is Selfless Service?
Why do we Need Selfless Service?
Questions for Discussion
Qualities for Practicing Selfless Service
Techniques
Expansion of Service Diagram
Stories
General Discussion Questions
Sai Challenges
Extreme Sai Challenges
Examples of Sai Service Projects
Next Steps
Conclusion
Slide
Number
1
2
3
4,5,6
7
8
9,10
11
12
13,14,15,16
17
18
19
20
Page
Number
2
2
2
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
12
13
14
15
Title Slide (Slide 1)
Light Meditation (Slide 2)
Introduction (Slide 3)
"Ahimsa Paramo Dharma"
Sri Satya Sai Baba says by following non-violence, one achieves Love. Nobody should
be harmed by mind, body or speech. By purity of thought, word and deed, one should
serve even one's enemies. Humility is the main quality of those who want to don the
mantle of non-violence. What does Ahimsa signify? It is not merely refraining from
causing harm or injury to others. It implies also refraining from causing harm to oneself.
A Thought from the Prema Vahini (Slide 4)
Baba says that the service of Man is the service of God; that Manava Seva is Madhava
Seva. Though the service of humanity is holy, unless it is merged in the bigger ideal, men
will not benefit, however huge the service. Whatever actions one undertakes, if one has
constantly as a companion the contemplation of the Lord, and if one has faith in the
essential divinity of man, then, the statement about Manava Seva and Madhava Seva
being the same is justified. (From the Prema Vahini)
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
3
What is Selfless Service? (Slides 4, 5, 6)
The following ideas are summarized from Sai literature and Sai Baba’s discourses. They
can form the basis for additional discussion.

Service with a spiritual foundation.
Baba says that sadhana (spiritual practice) of doing service is distinct. In service
you devote all your energy and attention to the task at hand, for it is a dedicated
task. You forget the body and ignore its demands. You set aside your
individuality and its prestige and prequisites. You pluck your ego by its roots and
cast it away. You give up your status, conceit, your name and form and all that
they demand from others. Love is God, God is love. Transform the love into
service; transform the service into worship. That is the highest spiritual practice.

Seeing the God in all beings.
According to Baba, service is the very essence of devotion, the very breath of a
devotee, his very nature. It springs from the actual experience of the devotee, an
experience that convinces that all beings are God's children, that all bodies are
altars where God is installed, that all places are His residence. He says that while
doing service to others, we are doing service to ourselves, the God in us and the
God in others. By seeing God in others we seek to please and revere the Sai in
them.

Elimination of the ego and purification of the mind.
In service, we devote all our energy and attention to the task at hand, forgetting
the body. We tend to cast away our egos and individuality. We are forced to give
up status, conceit, name and form and all that they demand from others. This
process makes the mind pure.

Good work without attachment to results.
Without worrying about the results Baba asks us to help efficiently, silently and
lovingly. "Do not believe that you can, by means of selfless service, reform or
reshape the world. You may or may not. That does not matter. The real value of
seva (selfless service), its most visible result, is that it reforms you, reshapes you."
(SSS, Vol. 5, Page. 327)

A pure offering to God.
The motives and intentions are more important than the when and the where of
the service. The attitude of help and selfless service which develop the
'humanness' of man and enable unfoldment of the Divinity in him is what Swami
seeks.
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram

4
A response to a real need.
Service should satisfy a local need or solve a local difficulty. Serve the
community if the need arises.
In summary, any service becomes selfless service, a spiritual activity, when it is
performed with the right attitude. This applies to selfless service performed on an
individual basis, with another organization, or with a Sai Center. In selfless service, the
motive is to raise consciousness of Divinity through our loving efforts. The spiritual
validity of the service is determined by the intensity and purity of our love. Our efforts
should reflect selfless love at all times to all people. Discharging our duties in a righteous
manner is, in it self, a service.
Why do we Need Selfless Service? (Slide 7)
The following quotes from Baba are offered to show us, in His words, why we should
engage in selfless service.

It helps us control and purify the mind.
“You are engaged in service in order to become aware of the Divine Spirit in you,
in order that you may discard the allurements of your ego, in order to know
yourself and to get the answer to the question that torments you, namely, "Who
am I." You do not serve others, you serve yourself; you do not serve the world,
you serve your own interest.” [Sathya Sai Speaks. 1977.06.03]

It puts a ceiling on our desires.
“Service should be performed without expectations for results. Do not serve
for the sake of reward; serve because you are urged by Love. Service is the best
spiritual exercise for eliminating the nefarious pull of the mind toward desires.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1969.05.18]

It erases our karmic burden.
“Constant work in loving service to others covers the seeds of past sinful and
harmful actions, so that they die away and do not grow into a new round of
misery.” [Sathya Sai Speaks. 1970.10.04]
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
5

It removes the ego.
“To remove the evil of egoism, service is the most efficient instrument.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1976.08.28]

It brings love into our lives.
“A wave of service, if it sweeps over the land catching everyone in its enthusiasm,
will be able to wipe off the mounds of hatred, malice and greed that infest the
world. Allure your heart so that it will vibrate in sympathy with the woes and joys
of your fellow-men. Fill the world with love.” (from the book Seva A Flower at
His Feet. Page.6)

It helps us experience the unity of all
“All waves are on the same sea, are from the same sea, and are the same sea.
Service teaches you to be firm in this knowledge. Service will also impress the
Unity of all mankind on the person doing service.” [Sathya Sai Speaks.
1971.05.14]

It makes us aware of the God within all
“The core of the spiritual discipline of service is to see everyone as yourself and
yourself in everyone. You are not doing service to others; you are doing service to
yourselves, to the God in you, the God who is equally present in others.” [Sathya
Sai Speaks. 1981.11.21]

It aids us in winning the Grace of God.
"To receive God’s love, you must be totally free from worldly desires and
constantly engage in selfless service. Every action of yours must have the stamp
of quality that is acceptable to God.” - Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 2000
Discussion Questions (Slide 8)
Is there a difference between service and selfless service?
Do you think selfless service is one of the most important spiritual practices?
Why do you think service would make God happy?
How do we lead a life of constant selfless service each day – at home, work, and
recreation?
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram
6
Some Qualities for Practicing Selfless Service (Slides 9, 10)
Love
Baba says that when we act with love we get closer to His divine presence. Service
should inspire those who have authority, riches, skills, intelligence, leisure and health to
serve the community that serves them. It should inspire us to bury our egos, laziness, and
greed for power in order to qualify for selfless service (seva).
“The day when you resolve to practice My advice, to follow My directives, to
adore man, the adoration reaches Me. Neglect man, you neglect Me. Of what
avail is it to worship the Lord and to suppress man, His counterpart? Love for
God must be manifested as love for man, and love must express itself as service.
The service that you render must reward you not only with your satisfaction, but
with the satisfaction and relief of whom you serve. Let love be ever translated into
service, into beneficial acts, sweet words of consolation, comfort, and courage,
and thoughts of sympathy and compassion.” -Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 7. Pages.
15-16
Pure Heart
After examination of motives and skills, intentions and qualifications, and discovering
what one needs to achieve through service, a pure heart stands out as a preliminary to
doing service.
“When you go into the qualifications needed for service, you will know that pure
heart uncontaminated by conceit, greed, envy, hatred, or competition - is
essential, also faith in God, as the spring of vitality, virtue, and justice. Service is
the worship you offer to the God in the heart of everyone.” - Sathya Sai Speaks,
Vol. 8. Page.1
Charity
Baba says charity does not mean that you have given some money to an individual or an
organization but involves the removal of all of the evil thoughts that are within us.
“Charity will, in turn confer purity upon you. Once you have purity, there will be
unity. And once you have unity, you can reach Divinity.” Sathya Sai Newsletter
(U.S.A), Vol. 13, Number 4, Page. 20
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
7
Selflessness
Baba says that when service is rendered without any thought of return, in an attitude of
selflessness, it sheds light in the dark interior of man,it widens the heart, purifies the
impulses, and confers lasting happiness.
“If we have filled ourselves with selfishness, jealousy, and such ill feelings, we
will not be able to do any good service. If there is nothing in a vessel, it is
possible to fill it with some good things. Therefore, in the very first instance,
empty yourselves of all bad feelings and fill your hearts with love and selflessness.
A heart soaked in love alone is a sacred heart. Whatever service we render should
be done with a sense of selflessness, and then we may reach the highest stage in
life.”- Advaitha Through Seva, Volume 1, Divine Discourses of Bhagavan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba, November 19-24, 1987.
Purity
When given a chance to do service one must think of it as an opportunity given by God to
serve our-Selves through others as Baba says.
”Never entertain selfish thoughts and perform self-beneficial acts in the name of
service. Do not let pride and self-boasting creep in. This display of ego is the
reason for change in the world today. The destructive effects of pompous pride
and ego make selfless service an essential goal for the progress of humanity.
Therefore, members of the Sai Organization should be simple, selfless, and
non-egoistic. They should cultivate sacred love, the Divine spirit of sacrifice,
patience, and compassion. These are the qualities of the truly service-oriented
members and officers.”
Discussion Questions:
How can you practice selfless service at home with your spouse or family members?
What small thing can you do on a regular basis?
If we believe that God is within every person, how can we acknowledge this daily and
then serve that person?
How can we specifically serve God while we are driving our car?
What qualifications do you feel are your strengths and which ones do you feel are your
weaknesses?
Techniques for Practicing Selfless Service (Slide 11)
This section expands on Baba’s quotations on qualities and techniques used to practice
selfless service.
1) Serve with Love in your heart
We must train ourselves in such a way that we can do our own work, after which we must
be ready to serve our parents. We should then plunge into the society and be prepared to
serve the society. This service must come from within us in a free and voluntary manner.
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram
8
It is for the sake of Prema (love) that we should do work. We should be prepared to do
work as a consequence of our realizing the oneness of all mankind.
2) Serve others without the expectation of service in return
We should serve old people, hungry people and the weak people. Such service should be
regarded as service to God. Many of us in affluence are accustomed to getting work done
by low paid workers. We feel in the position of authority and think that we are entitled to
service, but this is going to result in a situation wherein we will have to repay the debt of
service back to others. What we see, do, and say will always come back to us as resound
and reflection. Do for the sake of doing.
3) Serve the God in others
Baba advises us not to ask another where they come from, which caste or creed, which
part of town, what ethnicity or religion. He asks us to see our favorite form of God in
that other person. He asks to see His image in the person we serve. Duty is God; Work is
worship. Even the tiniest work is a flower placed at the Feet of God.
4) Begin within your family
The first lesson in selfless service has to be learned in the family circle consisting of
father, mother, brothers, and sisters. In this limited, well-knit group, one must engage in
loving service and prepare for the wider service that awaits outside the home. The
character of each individual member determines the peace and prosperity of the family;
the character of each family is the basic factor that decides the happiness and joy of the
village or community. Moreover, the nation's progress is based on the strength and
happiness of the communities which are its components. So, for the welfare of the
country and of the entire world, the spirit of service, vital enthusiasm, constructive
imagination, pure motivation, and unselfish alertness are all urgently needed. (from Seva
A Flower at His Feet, p.17)
Discussion Questions
How does this diagram in Slide 12 of power point presentation reflect the above listed
techniques from slide 10? (Adapted from Lieut Gen (Retd) Dr.M.L. Chibber's book Sai Baba's
Mahavakya On Leadership: Book for Youth, Parents, and Teachers)
What additional techniques do you see as necessary in the service of Sai and Humanity?
What are ways which you serve your family?
How can we practice seeing the God in those we serve, and in everyone?
What does “serving with love in our heart” mean?
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
9
Stories on Selfless Service &Discussion Questions
(Slides 13, 14, 15,
16)
When the Rajasuya Yaga (a sacred ceremony) was being performed; Krishna came
and asked Dharmaja to allot some work to Him. (Dharmaja was the eldest of five brothers
who was devoted to living with a high level of integrity). He turned to Krishna and said
that there was no work appropriate to Krishna… (Krishna) patted him on the back and
said that He has a special qualification and that He would like to do work appropriate to
His qualification. So Dharmaja asked Krishna to tell him what His special qualification
was so that he can find suitable work for Krishna. Krishna said that He was fit for
removing the leaves in which people ate their food and which have been used. Baba
Discussion Questions
a. What does it mean that the Lord Himself chose to do something so insignificant?
b. If the Lord can do this simple and seemingly unworthy task, what simple and seemly
unworthy task can we do for someone on a daily basis?
c. Does the person need to be present, or do we even need to know the person?
d. What similar service can we do for our family? For our friends? For our community?
For society? For the nation?
Swami tells the story of how a young girl, who was poor at math, asked Einstein to
tutor her. Einstein agreed. Sometime later the girl’s mother apologized to him that her
daughter was taking up so much of Einstein’s time. Einstein replied, “…this has been an
opportunity for me to learn from your daughter several things related to everyday life.
Now I understand how ignorant I have been about matters related to actual life. I must
really thank your daughter.” Chinna Katha II, page 83
Discussion Questions
Like Einstein, we too can make a significant difference in another’s life with a small act
of kindness.
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram
10
a. Can you think of an act of yours, seemingly minor, that significantly impacted another
person? If not something that you did, can you recall a similar story in someone else’s
life?
b. How did a simple act of kindness impact your life? How did it feel? Did receiving that
act of kindness inspire you in some way?
c. Are we motivated to do something nice for someone because we want to feel good? If
so, why?
d. Do we ever sere out of guilt? If so, why, and how can we avoid it?
e. What motivates us to do a simple act of kindness?
General Discussion Questions on Selfless Service
1) Baba says, “It is mere weakness to give the silly excuse that you have no time for
service because you are so busy with your duties. Cleaning streets in the villages is not
the only service available to you. Discharging your duties a righteous manner is, in itself,
a service.”
As individuals, we probably know what our duties are, and how to perform them in a
righteous manner.
a. What do you think are the duties of the young adults as a group?
b. What examples do you know of selfless service performed by Swami (largescale and small)? What do you notice about how Swami goes about this service?
2) Baba says, “The spiritual validity of the service is determined by the intensity and
purity of our love. Our efforts should reflect selfless love at all times to all people.”
a. What factors contribute to, or can help us towards doing our service projects
with pure love? What factors are obstacles to overcome?
3) Baba says, “To earn the love of God, this is the easiest way. The best way to love God
is to love all and serve all,”
Here He emphasizes the word “ALL.” He asks us not just to love and serve, but to love
all and serve all.
a. Who is it easiest to serve? Hardest? Why?
b. How can we move towards being able to love and serve all with the same
purity?
4) Name a contemporary Western figure from history/media who you feel displays
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
11
ideal selfless service qualities.
a. Please give an example of their service.
b. Is there a parallel opportunity in your life?
5) What does selfless service mean to the “Ideal Sai Youth”?
a.
How can you implement that “Ideal” in your daily life?
6) “Do not believe that you can, by means of service, reform or reshape the world. You
may or you may not. That does not matter. The real value of service, its most visible
result, is that it reforms you, reshapes you. Do service as spiritual practice. Then you will
be humble and happy. Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 5. Page. 327
a. Can you recall the sense of transformation resulting from service that you have
done?
b. Can you think of a small service that you can do on a daily basis which can
morph into a habit? What does this look and feel like?
7) “We generally think that nonviolence means not causing harm to some living being.
Nonviolence is not just this. Even bad vision or bad hearing or bad talk is violence.”
Summer Showers 1978, Page.210
a. How are we violent with ourselves?
b. Do we practice negative self-talk? For example, do we say to ourselves, “I’m
so stupid”, “Oh, I never could do that”, I’m not good enough”, “I’m not smart
enough”, I’m not attractive enough”, etc.
c. How are we violent with our family?
i. Do we say to our brother or sister, “Shut up. You do not know what
you are talking about.”
ii. Do we talk about our sisters, brothers, or parents behind their backs?
iii. Do we not take the time to listen to what our family members have to
say?
iv. How are we violent with our personal “society”, i.e., or classmates,
workmates, fellow Center members?
- Do we interrupt them when they are talking?
- Do we talk about them behind their backs?
- Do we wish them harm, especially to make us feel better
about ourselves?
- Are we impatient or lose our temper with the clerk in the
store?
v. How are we violent with the world?
- Do we misuse the resources that we are given, i.e.,
polluting the environment?
- Do we waste food, money, time, energy?
- Do we create noise pollution?
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram
12
Sai Challenges (Slide 17)
1) The third spiritual discipline in the Sadhana (Spiritual Practice) program in preparation
for the WYC is: Engage in Selfless Service Activity as a Group:
 Challenge: Sai youth should undertake one selfless service activity or project in
their region and serve the community continuously until July 2007.
 Action step: Collect reports of all these service activities. Offer them to the
Regional Newsletter or Sathya Sai Newsletter.
2) “It is not only by work and by keeping our surroundings clean that you can do service.
You can do service by your words as well. With a good word, you can soothe their hearts
and by doing good deeds you can soothe their minds. Therefore, by using good words
and doing good work, you will give comfort to others and this is good service.” Baba
 Challenge: If there is someone at home, work or school that you have exchanged
unkind words or thoughts with recently, the next time you see them silently say,
"Baba, how can I serve you in the embodiment of this person today?” And then
make the effort to say a kind word or apologize for your previous comment.
More Challenges
 Try to spend two hours per week or perform one act per day of selfless service.
 Try to serve before being asked to - at home, at school, at work, or at the Sai
Center.
Sai Extreme Challenges (Slide 18)
“If you lift the hand to serve, to help, to console, to encourage another man you are
lifting it for God, because in every man is God. Be of service to others, for that is giving
yourself to Me. For whatever you give, I will repay you thrice. Nay I shall repay you tenfold. Try Me and you will see.” Baba




What extreme service challenge can you challenge yourself with to warrant
Baba’s promised ten-fold return?
Can you do an act of service every day until the WYC?
Keep a private diary of what you felt after doing the service. How did that affect
the rest of your day? Did that feeling carry over in the home, office, the center?
Identify or create a list of the most important things in your daily life and observe
where selfless service fits in. Can you move selfless service up two places on the
list?
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
13
Examples of Sai Service Projects
The following material has been taken from the Guide to Service in American Sathya Sai
Baba Centers. These ideas may serve as a starting point in your endeavors.
Examples of individual service projects being carried out by Sai devotees in the US
Send care packages to elders who are in need
Assist in schools
Record for or read to the blind
Volunteer at conference for the visually impaired
Help in adult literacy programs
Teach English to non-English speakers
Drive for “Meals on Wheels” and similar programs
Hospicare or Hospice care
Suicide prevention programs
Red Cross disaster training
Work in free clinics
Serve on Board of Directors of the county council on aging
Volunteer for the Friendly Visitors for the Aging Program
Volunteer fireman
School aide or volunteer
Feed and clothe the homeless
Call the elderly and shut-ins weekly (or more often)
Examples of group Service projects
1) Feeding the hungry
-Bring canned goods and sacks of food to your Center for later distribution to a service
agency.
-Arrange food baskets and deliver them to shut-ins.
-Use the facilities of another organization (e.g. Salvation Army) to prepare food, serve
the food, and clean up afterward.
- Make and distribute packages of food — sandwiches, fruit, cookies, etc., using facilities
of established agencies experienced with providing food for the needy.
2) Service at holiday time
- Make holiday greeting cards and stamps for those in nursing homes.
- Adopt a family at Christmas or other special occasions. Provide them not only with food
but also with clothes, new or used toys for the kids, gifts for all the members of the
family, and your time.
-Make Christmas cards for shut-ins.
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]
Om Sai Ram
14
- Stay in touch throughout the year with a family you adopt during the holidays, and help
them out when they need it.
-Go Christmas caroling at homes for the elderly — and bring some cookies.
-Decorate a shelter for the homeless or an elderly home for the holiday.
3) Visiting hospitals
-Join volunteer programs which provide opportunities for service. Volunteers serve at the
reception, in admissions, and in the gift shop. They provide clerical help and assist
nurses on the floor.
-Some hospitals have long-term patients, who long to see a friendly face and have
someone to talk to. Bring flowers, magazines, and a smile.
4) Visiting nursing homes
-Visit the same nursing home regularly, for the residents look forward to talking to the
same people.
-Visits to nursing homes often involve singing with the residents. However, more
personal attention can be uplifting. For example, find out beforehand which residents
have birthdays that month and make the visit a birthday party for them. Provide a
birthday cake and other refreshments, decorate the place with balloons, sing happy
birthday to them, and give them a small gift of something they need (toilet articles, etc.).
-Let Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) children play musical instruments and sing simple
songs.
5) Serving within the Center
-Keep devotional songbooks up to date, keeping the meeting place clean, preparing the
altar (if there is one), bringing and arranging flowers, leading study circles, preparing
and distributing a monthly calendar, and so on.
Next Steps (Slide 19)





Take first 10 minutes during the next study circle to recap selfless service.
Practice sense-control, leadership, unity of thought, word, and deed, and selfless
service and build from the previous study circles.
Share experiences on how the week(s) after this study circle was different by
practicing Sai challenges – ensure that a holistic picture is obtained by sharing
both challenges and successes.
Try to incorporate the unity of thought, word, and deed sub-value in your efforts
to practice selfless service and discover similarities between this sub-value to
unity of thought, word, and deed.
As Ideal Sai Youth with the goal of uniting with Sai Baba and His mission, an
ideal step on this journey would be to practice selfless service on a daily basis,
even in small, unnoticed ways.
“God will not ask when and where you did service; he will ask what your motives and intentions were.”
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1981.11.19]
Om Sai Ram
15
Conclusion (Slide 20)
In the words of our beloved Baba:
“Do not worry about the result. Help as much as you can, as efficiently as
you can, as silently as you can, and as lovingly as you can; leave the rest to
God, who gave you a chance to serve
Sathya Sai Speaks. 1967.11.06
OM SAI RAM
“I do not attach any value to the turning of rosaries by hands that know no help.”…….
[Sathya Sai Speaks. 1966.03.29]