On the occasion of Fifth World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations on 20th October 1990, Swami said,
“Seva brings out all that is great in man. It broadens the heart and widens one's vision. It fills one with joy. It promotes unity. It proclaims the truth of the Spirit. It drives out all the evil qualities in a man. It must be regarded as a great spiritual discipline. You are born to serve, not to dominate. Everyone in the world is a servant and not a master. All relationships – between husband and wife, mother and child, the employer and employee are based on mutual service. The world is progressing because of such acts of service. If not for the principle of Seva, the world would come to a halt.” Ref: “Sathya Sai Speaks” – Vol. XXIII, Chapter-31 During the Summer course in Indian Culture and Spirituality in 1979, Swami said, “Selfless service is a more exalted means of attaining spiritual progress than other means such as meditation, bhajan and yoga. This is so because when we undertake meditation, Japa (repetition of the name of God), or yoga, we do so exclusively for our own benefit and not for the good of others. These are aimed at fulfilling one’s individual desires and securing happiness for oneself. However, what we should aspire for is the attainment of the good of others without any desire for personal gain”. One should not feel proud about the position one occupies. The strength derived from wealth or position is unreliable. Morality and purity of mind alone can confer real strength. To develop these qualities, one has to take up selfless service. The spirit of service eradicates egoism and selfishness. In the process, not only is your life sublimated, but the nation also gains through the example of a dedicated servant of the public.” Ref: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XXII, Chapter-23. In a most Wonderful Divine Discourses 5th of December, 1964, Bhagawan said, “Service to man will help your divinity to blossom, for, it will gladden your heart and make you feel that life has been worthwhile. Service to man is service to God, for He is in every man and living being, in every stone and stump.” Ref: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IV, Chapter-43. . In a Divine Discourse on the 29th of March, 1967 in Mumbai, Bhagawan said, “Do not believe that you can by means of Seva reform or reshape the world. You may or may not, that does not matter. The real value of Seva, its most visible result, is that it reforms you, reshapes you. Do Seva as a sadhana ; then you will be happy.” On the occasion of Guru Poornima on the 18th of July in 1989, in the Poorna Chandra Auditorium, Swami said, “The body has been given to man for the performance of right action. Every person has to discharge his duties in life. It is a sin to ignore one's duties. When everyone performs his duties, the nation will prosper. Perform your duties regardless of what others may say or do. Engage yourselves in selfless service. Consider social service as service to God. This is the easiest way to earn the love of God. The best way to love God is to love all and serve all. Your entire life will be sanctified thereby.” Ref: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XXII, Chapter-23. In the opening remarks of a discourse when Swami was in Mumbai on 29th of March, 1967, Bhagawan said, “Seva is the very essence of Bhakthi (devotion), the very breath of a Bhaktha (devotee), his very nature. It springs from the conviction and experience that all beings are God's children, that all bodies are altars where God is installed, that He resides in all places.” Ref: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. VII, Chapter-14.
