Why I Offer Seva by David (Prakash) Falbaum
After taking a few classes, my Svaroopa® yoga teacher told me I needed a Guru. The reason was because I had received spontaneous Shaktipat*. When I emailed Swami Nirmalananda with questions, she answered, supporting me in the opening to my Self, which I'd so suddenly found. I got so much change so fast that I felt I needed to give back. Thus, gratitude led me to say I wanted to do something for the Ashram. At the time, I actually knew nothing about the Ashram.
My first seva** was stuffing envelopes with thank you notes from Foundations Teacher Trainers to their students. Then I stamped the envelopes. Little did I know how much seva is needed. Nor did I foresee what seva would give me. Now on the Board of Directors, of Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram, I am responsible for Ashram technology. "Technology Wizard" is my official title from Swamiji. Professionally, I am employed as a scientist to develop products for industrial carwashes. The technology seva that Swamiji gave me has put me on a whole new career track. For example, I had to learn HTML for maintaining the original Master Yoga website.
As Technology Wizard, I update the SVA website, maintain all things pertaining to it and troubleshoot as necessary. I'm responsible for making sure the website operates for staff and for other sevites who also keep the site with new content.
I also serve on the Facilities Team. That gets me involved with new projects that come up for Shivaloka and Lokananda. Recently, I worked with Devananda in scoping out security options for both buildings. And I help as needed with various Ashram administration projects, which continue to grow and change. Typically, my seva takes between two and four hours per week, but it can be more.
As I support the Ashram by offering seva, the seva supports me. Seva is hugely important to my state. I can come home from work after a demanding day feeling stressed and "into my mind." Regardless of the specific seva - from stuffing envelopes to handling a special project for Swamiji - seva frees me from whatever mindset I have gotten into. Seva propels me into my Self. It does not matter what state I am in when I start. Within minutes, the seva pulls me out and plants me in Self. As I do more and more, I go deeper. My mind is directed to Swamiji. I remember her profound teachings, which my crazy mind had been making me forget.
Because of shoulder surgery this fall, I've had to endure a long time without asana, without teaching yoga, and without giving yoga therapy sessions. Doing seva, Ujjayi Pranayama, meditation and chanting settles me into Consciousness. This has put my healing into overdrive. At my seven-week post-op checkup, I tested at the maximum range of motion allowed. That's what Swamiji has brought to me. That's why I give seva. I can never give back enough to match what Swamiji has given me. She has given me my Self. Seva is one of the tools that helps me to find my way back to my Self when I forget.
------------------------
* Shaktipat refers in Hinduism to the transmission of spiritual energy upon one person by another. Shaktipat can be transmitted with a sacred word or mantra, or by a look, thought or touch - the last usually to the ajna chakra or third eye of the recipient
** seva - charitable work
My first seva** was stuffing envelopes with thank you notes from Foundations Teacher Trainers to their students. Then I stamped the envelopes. Little did I know how much seva is needed. Nor did I foresee what seva would give me. Now on the Board of Directors, of Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram, I am responsible for Ashram technology. "Technology Wizard" is my official title from Swamiji. Professionally, I am employed as a scientist to develop products for industrial carwashes. The technology seva that Swamiji gave me has put me on a whole new career track. For example, I had to learn HTML for maintaining the original Master Yoga website.
As Technology Wizard, I update the SVA website, maintain all things pertaining to it and troubleshoot as necessary. I'm responsible for making sure the website operates for staff and for other sevites who also keep the site with new content.
I also serve on the Facilities Team. That gets me involved with new projects that come up for Shivaloka and Lokananda. Recently, I worked with Devananda in scoping out security options for both buildings. And I help as needed with various Ashram administration projects, which continue to grow and change. Typically, my seva takes between two and four hours per week, but it can be more.
As I support the Ashram by offering seva, the seva supports me. Seva is hugely important to my state. I can come home from work after a demanding day feeling stressed and "into my mind." Regardless of the specific seva - from stuffing envelopes to handling a special project for Swamiji - seva frees me from whatever mindset I have gotten into. Seva propels me into my Self. It does not matter what state I am in when I start. Within minutes, the seva pulls me out and plants me in Self. As I do more and more, I go deeper. My mind is directed to Swamiji. I remember her profound teachings, which my crazy mind had been making me forget.
Because of shoulder surgery this fall, I've had to endure a long time without asana, without teaching yoga, and without giving yoga therapy sessions. Doing seva, Ujjayi Pranayama, meditation and chanting settles me into Consciousness. This has put my healing into overdrive. At my seven-week post-op checkup, I tested at the maximum range of motion allowed. That's what Swamiji has brought to me. That's why I give seva. I can never give back enough to match what Swamiji has given me. She has given me my Self. Seva is one of the tools that helps me to find my way back to my Self when I forget.
------------------------
* Shaktipat refers in Hinduism to the transmission of spiritual energy upon one person by another. Shaktipat can be transmitted with a sacred word or mantra, or by a look, thought or touch - the last usually to the ajna chakra or third eye of the recipient
** seva - charitable work