Service to others
From the numerous texts that Yogananda passed on to us, one of the themes that he always very deeply addressed is selfless service to others. Let’s play a game and imagine ourselves before the Master who is speaking to us. Just as in interviews, we will be the ones to ask questions, using the letter D, and the Master will reply using the letter M.
D: Master, tell us what it means to serve others, Why should I do it? I’m always so busy!
M: Happiness lies in making others happy, in forsaking self-interest to bring joy to others.
D: But why should I take time from my family to give to those I don’t even know?
M: Giving happiness to others is tremendously important to our own happiness, and a most satisfying experience.
D: So what you are saying is that happiness comes from living for others? Is that right?
M: Right! In fact to live for self is the source of all misery.
D: I have an important question to ask: if I use part of my free time to help others, I must then figure out how to take care of my many daily activities, but therefore, little time is left for me to do the things I like to do. How then can I be happy?
M: In being of spiritual, mental, and material services to others, you will find your own needs fulfilled. As you forget self in service to others, you will find that, without seeking it, your own cup of happiness will be full.
When you came into this world, you cried and everyone else smiled. You should so live your life that when you leave, everyone else will cry, but you will be smiling.
The deeper you meditate and the more willingly you serve, the happier you will be.
D: Thank you Master, from today on I will make myself more useful for the good of others, including my family and those close to me. I want to become a rainbow of happiness.
And here you can find out more about how Giving can transform your life: “The Joy of Giving” – Campaign
Photo by @Swami Kriyananda
Source: https://www.utkalgaurav.org
