Bhakti and Seva: Honoring the Bigger “Us”
We live in such a whirlwind world that it’s easy to forget how deeply connected we all are. Every heartbeat, every breath, every small act—each is a part of a grand, divine dance. Imagine how life would feel if we remembered that simple truth more often. That’s
where the magic of Bhakti comes into play.
Bhakti: Loving the Divine in Everything
Bhakti is often translated as “devotion,” but it’s really a celebration of life in all its forms. It’s an inner knowing that the divine spark flows through everything around us. When we embody Bhakti, we start to see all of creation—sunrise, laughter, blooming flowers—as reminders of something greater.
Gradually, every move we make becomes an offering, a prayer in motion. It’s like whispering a quiet “thank you” with each step. We begin to celebrate ourselves by celebrating the greater Self—divine love pulsing through it all.
Seva: Letting Love Flow Through Service
Once we start seeing the divine everywhere, it feels only natural to give back. This is the essence of Seva: serving others without expecting a reward. But here’s the beautiful twist: when you serve others, you’re also serving the larger “us”—the shared spirit that connects every living being.
Seva is often described as “selfless,” yet it’s also deeply fulfilling. Every act of service hums in tune with the universe, adding a sweeter note to the grand cosmic symphony. And that harmony lifts us all up.
The Lakota Perspective: Every Leaf Matters
In Lakota teachings, there’s a belief in the Tree of Life—each leaf, no matter how big or small, is essential to the tree’s well-being. Without that leaf, the entire tree would be something less than whole.
It’s the same with us. Each person’s presence and contributions make a difference. Every kindness ripples outward in ways we might never see, lighting up the world one loving act at a time.
Embrace the Dance
So, can we celebrate all of life as divine? Can we serve everyone with love? Absolutely. By embracing Bhakti and Seva, we invite ourselves to dance with the divine. We fill our own hearts and, in doing so, pour that love into the world.
Remember, we’re all just individual leaves on the Tree of Life, swaying together in this wondrous, endless dance. Let’s celebrate that truth and serve each other with open hearts.