Experiencing the Joy of Serving

As volunteers, it isn’t uncommon to think we are helping others. But I have learnt that the exchange of life lessons and love between the giver and the receiver levels our playing field, making every exchange a teaching moment for the discerning eye.

Here’s the experience that changed my perspective; one that will forever be etched in my heart.

It was a pleasant cloudy Bangalore evening. I had almost completed the food packet distribution. There was just one more packet left and I was on the lookout for someone who possibly needed it. I decided to the longer route in search of this one person. And just when I reached a traffic signal, I noticed an old man, a rag picker. I was thrilled to have found someone deserving. He looked hungry.

I humbly went up to him and offered the prasadam packet to him. His eyes gleamed with happiness. And at that moment, I felt one with him – I could feel joy and hunger, and my eyes welled up with tears of joy and gratitude.

Before I could fathom the overwhelming inner sense of gratitude to Swami, the rag-picker, abruptly raised both his hands up into the air and said “You’re my god for the day. I was just waiting for someone to offer me little money or food. And you came all of a sudden, and have given me hot and healthy food. Consuming such food every day is something I can only dream off.”

I was serving the God in Him and He reminded me of the God within me! It reminded me of what Bhagawan would often say, “Find the GOD within yourself, do good deeds, help as much as possible & find the inner divine in you”.

Narayan Seva is my spiritual nourishment. It’s become a beautiful part of my life, one that gives me a great sense of immense gratitude and happiness.