Giving in Sikhism

Seva finds eloquent expression in the lives of Guru Nanak and his successors. In developing the basic tenets of Sikhism, Nanak repudiated the hierarchical caste system of Hinduism, in favor of a society built on kindness and cooperation. Nanak exemplified the ideals of seva through his charitable deeds. Among his most significant acts was the creation of the langar, or community kitchen. Based in a center of worship known as the gurdwara (“home of the guru”), the langar brought volunteers together from across the community to serve free meals to anyone who needed them. Through this practice, Nanak fostered an egalitarian and inclusive ethos among his followers.

After Nanak’s death, subsequent gurus reinforced and expanded the practice of seva. The third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, embodied seva through his dutiful service to his predecessor, Guru Angad Dev, humbly delivering water to his master every day for twelve years; he also contributed regularly to maintaining the langar. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, institutionalized seva into official Sikh dogma, while establishing hospitals, schools and other institutions dedicated to the welfare of the community. 

Sikhs observe seva in various ways. It can involve volunteer labor, such as maintaining the gurdwara, cooking meals for the langar or helping the community clear debris after a natural disaster. Seva can also manifest itself in emotional support, such as offering solace to someone who is struggling. For the act of seva to be considered genuine, the individual providing the service must do so without the expectation of compensation – whether in the form of material gain or the enhancement of personal reputation – and taking care to avoid any suggest any sense of indebtedness on the part of the recipient.

Seva can also be expressed through the donation of money or goods. Such acts of generosity are rooted in Vand Chakna – sharing with others – one of the three pillars of Sikhism. Many Sikhs make regular contributions to charity according to the principle of dasvandh (Punjabi for “one-tenth”), a practice first observed by Guru Nanak.

One of the guiding ethical principles of Sikhism, seva is rooted in the idea that all human beings are interconnected – both within the Sikh community and across diverse societies and faiths. By promoting community engagement based on shared commitment and sacrifice, seva represents an approach to generosity that is collaborative, expansive and self-sustaining. 

Contributor: Stephen Meyer