We are told to strive to tune in to the inner self as that is the main purpose of life. But isn’t it better to go out and help the poor and needy, feed and clothe them, engage in social service? Your noble feelings are to be appreciated. But do you think that such help alone would bring colour to their lives? Would this really change the dismal state of society? How do you assure that social help offered in the form of food and clothing would be a substantial answer to their problems?You serve food once to a person. Won’t he need it again? The clothes offered by you would need to be replaced by new ones after some time. Why not then serve them in totality? Why restrict to just doing ‘something’ for the needy?’
Real ‘social service’ demands ‘soul service’ first, as the basis to understanding more. Basically, giver and receiver, both should connect with God... Only then social help extended can work wonders for both giver and taker. I am unable to understand.Let’s first talk about the neces-sity of the spiritual connection on the receiving end. It is essential so that the person in need is able to fully avail your services. Because, if he is lacking the basic zeal, the spirit to change his fate, then your help would not make any difference. What should precede social help of any kind is the basic current of liveliness! Zeal! A spirit to change oneself... to stand on one’s feet!
You’re right, but how does one do this? There’s only one-way: the receiver should tune himself to his inner Self and behold God. It means establishing a one-to-one connection with the Divine Light within, the energy keeping us alive! The permanent connection with this perennial source of energy means a 24-hour charging... with enthusiasm, zeal, bliss, and prudence.
Why is spirituality essential for social service?Suppose a man is going somewhere and he happens to see on the way a very poor man, in torn and tattered clothes... asking for alms. What do you think the man will do? He would likely give the poor man some money. Imagine his surprise when, on his return in the evening, he happens to find the same man lying dead, surrounded by people. He gets to know that the beggar drank poor quality liquor with all the money he had collected, and met his end.
Are you saying don’t give to the poor? Of course not! Because, what if the beggar was actually hungry for days, your money could give him a new lease of life. All I’m saying is use your power of discrimination and wherever possible, extend more than just material help. In this, spirituality helps because by the grace of a true guru, you re-establish your connection with God. This helps in making right decisions.
There is one more hidden aspect: Sometimes, just as a seed thrown into the fire ceases to sprout, we reap the harvest of karmic deeds of the past and so end up being happy or miserable for no apparent reason. To free your self of all these conditions and confusions, pursue the spiritual path and allow equanimity to surface, so that you are able to deal with the good and bad in an unbiased manner, helping the needy with calm, uncluttered mind. By Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan.