Work without inspiration becomes `labour’. The result of labour is never fulfilling. All selfish work eventually becomes labour where `more pay and less work’ becomes the policy.
Love transforms work into `inspiration’, with efficiency as its result. And efficiency in work naturally brings about success, no matter what one’s field of pursuit. Not only is there a sense of achievement and satisfaction, but also an extreme sense of joy.
Selfishness downgrades work, making it sheer labour. On the other hand, selflessness uplifts and transforms work into inspiration. Only when there is love in the heart can we be ready to give up our own selfish wants and desires in order to bring joy and happiness to others.
When actions are dedicated with love to a higher altar or goal, the ego with all its selfishness dissolves. The higher and nobler the altar of our love, the greater the dedication and surrender, and the greater the inspiration and joy.
Such `love in action’ alone is called seva or service. Such seva not only enriches the performer materially and spiritually, it also benefits many around. The wise have said: “That alone is living by which many others live”. This is called the yagna spirit in the Bhagavad Gita — the spirit of sharing.
Swami Swaroopananda will be visiting London from 21 September – 2 October. For further information on his itinerary, please visit www.thescienceofhappiness.co.uk.
- Swami Swaroopananda, Chinmaya Mission