How a Lotus Led Me onto a Path of Fulfillment

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Sometimes, I feel like a “Type A” robot.

I wake up, pray, exercise, work, eat lunch, work, eat dinner, join calls, sleep. I thrive off routines and plans. I would be so embarrassed if someone saw how meticulously I have planned my lunches for the remainder of the year on my Apple Notes app. Equally embarrassing is how intensely I maintain my email inboxes to less than ten emails across all my accounts.

Because many things are fixed, it makes my routines and habits robotic.

This robotic lifestyle has equipped me with discipline, allowing me to increase productivity and improve my time management skills. In doing so, however, I quickly realized that while there was value in creating these habits and routines, they alone weren’t enough for me. Even in such a state of efficiency, I wasn’t always experiencing lasting joy and was often left feeling empty. So, as I explored ways to add more meaning to my daily routine, I looked to see how others approached this problem. People have long been searching for ways to add to their physical, emotional, social, or spiritual self-growth. On social media, their efforts are contagious. However, it is often difficult to gauge if they genuinely become happy from all of the efforts they take on.

One way I’ve personally seen people add to their growth is through volunteering. Many dedicate their time and effort to a communal purpose to break away from their mundane and self-focused routines. In fact, research shows that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine in your brain. In addition, by providing time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect. In addition to sparking joy and progress in their own lives, volunteering also invigorates hope and change in communities. Thus, the benefits of volunteering can be tremendous — for everyone!

Volunteering is a great way to add meaning to one’s life. Upon further exploration, however, what has grounded and provided meaning to my thoughts, routines, and habits is the joyful and fulfilling experience of seva

When I think back to when my self-exploration journey began and how far I’ve come, I recognize it is indeed seva that has been a powerful and impactful factor in my personal development and growth. When I think about all of the opportunities I’ve had to perform seva, my brain floods with bright, warm memories. I am reminded that seva is energizing. It is limitless. And the fruits of seva are bountiful, sowing the seeds for growth and fulfillment.

So, what is seva?

Seva is a Sanskrit word that means selfless service. Actually, it is far beyond selfless service. In Hinduism, seva is a critical component of one’s spiritual path. Hinduism teaches serving both God and humanity, as one begets the other. It means to serve without the existence of one’s identity. Seva also provides a medium for forming a deep, pure, and genuine connection between God, Guru, and the individual. In doing so, it then becomes a means by which one nourishes the soul with good karma, which facilitates the attainment of moksha (ultimate liberation).

Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, re-ignited the true spirit of seva through countless humanitarian projects. He exemplified the mode and intent of performing seva: by thought, word, and deed. With God and Guru as the focal point, this type of seva becomes useful and instrumental on the path to spiritual fulfillment.

This sentiment and practice of seva are upheld by His spiritual successors. Today, my Gurus Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj are prime sources of inspiration for me. From washing large utensils which were used to prepare food for hundreds and thousands of devotees on the festive day of his appointment as the President of BAPS, to serving society through countless worldwide spiritual, moral, and social services, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has shown me how to perform perfect seva- small or big- without ego or expectation. Mahant Swami Maharaj expounds that one should behave as “das na das”- act and perform seva with utmost humility, devoid of praise, reward, and self. Through them, I became a witness to the joys of such service and am able to rely on it as an integral part of my journey.

To substantiate this, I present a case study of one wholesome seva experience from my life that will be forever etched in my memory.

In July 2018, BAPS organized a North American Youth Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Ten thousand youths and supporting sevaks (selfless volunteers) attended the convention. The convention focused on the theme of moksha, depicted through characters in a play who were conflicted in choosing their values against their worldly desires; obtaining spiritual guidance through lectures by learned Swamis; and engaging in small group discussions that served as a safe space to discuss personal challenges and build off of each other’s positivity.

One focal point was the story of Gajendra Moksha. The story of Gajendra Moksha is from the Bhagvat Puran, a Hindu scripture. Once, Gajendra, an elephant, dallies into a lake. Midway, his foot gets caught by a crocodile, and a battle ensues. The mighty Gajendra uses all his strength to go ashore, but water is the home ground of the crocodile; its power is beyond match. The scriptures say that the battle lasts for a thousand years, with both warriors not budging an inch either way. But when Gajendra finally feels his strength fading, his eyes land on a loose lotus flower floating astray in the water. He picks it up with his trunk, turns it skywards, and offers it to God in prayer and service. Touched by this offering, God then rushes to save Gajendra.

In the Spring of 2017, I was requested to offer seva as one of the event leads for the three conventions. I had no idea what I had to do or why I was selected. With a master’s degree in Allied Health, I had zero project management experience and didn’t think I had much to contribute. But, when I reflected on how past conventions impacted my upbringing, I felt compelled to help provide a memorable experience for others. At these youth conventions, I was able to build confidence in my identity as a Hindu and follower of the Swaminarayan faith.

Those one and a half years of seva, while also working a full-time job, fueled my drive to be a better version of myself. Most of the seva was virtual in preparation- consisting of project planning within each department, leading conference calls, and activating other volunteers. However, when I physically met everyone and stood in a room full of thousands holding an illuminated pink lotus, I was in utter awe. I felt deeply emotional to be a part of something indescribable.

I had many insecurities when I first started planning: poor speaking and listening skills (understanding other’s viewpoints and resolving differences in opinions); I was often inflexible (as evident by my strict and fixed routines), and had overall limited knowledge of event execution due to inexperience. In those moments, I looked towards my Gurus, who in their life had demonstrated unwavering faith in God and their own Gurus during trying times. When I was unsure of my abilities to complete a task, I studied their life for lessons on resilience, the practice of ownership of seva, and offering pure devotion and prayer. Emotionally, I slowly came to love others and trust my team members, who I have kept in touch with long after the event’s conclusion. Socially, the memories made are unforgettable. Spiritually, I felt saved like Gajendra. In relying on the strength of my Gurus and offering my efforts to please them, I felt a sense of inner peace and joy. What initially felt like a period of constant adjustments and discomfort ultimately became a time in my life that allowed me to work through my desires, insecurities, rigidity, and self-focused outlook. This period was a mark of my growth. Through it, I have built more profound connections with myself, others, and my faith and have found purpose and fulfillment in my daily life.

The key lessons I reflect on from this experience are:

● Seva has innumerable physical, emotional, social, and spiritual benefits.

● Seva is an authentic means to mold spiritual growth and sow the seeds for moksha.

In my robotic life, such experiences of seva make it wholesome.

Seva is unique because it comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether I am cleaning bathrooms with youths at the mandir or cutting vegetables with the elderly in the mandir kitchen, I feel fulfilled. Whether I am leading a large youth convention or listening to a youth’s life challenges, I feel fulfilled. Know that the next time a seva opportunity comes your way, countless benefits await you!

For me, the joys of personal growth and peace began with seva.

For me, steps towards fulfillment began with a lotus flower!

Eva Patel, Palm Beach, FL
Pediatric Occupational Therapist