A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com or Bally 416-992-2487.

This is the 23rd in a series of articles by Balliram Chadee and Hotshots Newspaper to bring a Hindu Perspective to educate our community. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

  Question: Selfless Service and Principle vs. Fame!: How do you see it as a Hindu?

Ans: Many readers from the over 40,000 wide circulation of Hotshots Magazine have asked myself as well as the Owner/Editor of this newspaper, some stiff questions; I say stiff because when they asked, they have often said they do not know who to ask or where to go for answers, quite often they choose not to ask certain people. First of all we at Hotshots and The Hanuman Mission (Balliram and Roy), do pride ourselves in the service we have been able to bring to the Indo Caribbean community in specific and the Canadian public at large. It is a unique opportunity that Hotshots have captured and so it is my esteemed privilege to bring to you “A Hindu Perspective”.

One of the many questions we have been asked is: Do people really do selfless service or do they get involved in service for fame and power? This is a very personal and opinionated question which would most likely result in a personal and opinionated answer; therefore we would attempt to give some general scenarios without a personal opinion (to avoid conflict). Niskaam Karma or Selfless Service is the gifted opportunity which a few people are life is given. You would know when you are called by the powers above to perform your duties to man, society and god. It would be very easy to recognise the call, very personal to actually perform your duties and contributions but very difficult to avoid critics. As many would say, the people who talk are good at that, just that, talking and they cannot do anything more for anyone or themselves. God gave us the ability and wisdom to use our intellect and hands to help others. Doing so must be free of attachments, rewards, money, compensation and fame. I am not advocating that you must give your life to community service or volunteerism, but in the same token that you expect things from others, you must also be sensitive to the fact, that others need same from you. Do not try to copy from others. Be original, be truthful, be sincere and be ethical. Taking credit for other people's efforts and ideas, seem to be a norm in the religious and community service world today. There are tremendous opportunities waiting to be done, ideas to be explored, efforts to be undertaken and service to be performed.

As Hindus, we must remember, that our version of community and selfless service is different than some of our friends. Hinduism and selfless service is based on a very personal desire to contribute, give, do or offer. We do not have a directive from anyone to make a certain payment, perform certain specific duties, say for a one year period etc. We do what we want, when we want and how we want it. I am not implying this is the best method either. So then what is required, needed or enough as a Hindu or as seen by a Hindu? If you ask yourself what you have done to help man, society or your community, would you get an answer? Would you be honestly happy or proud of your answer? Then you would know the expectations for selfless service. Many of us have been given the blessed privilege to make a difference. Some have taken it, some have used it, some have exploited it and yet others have abused it. We should do what we do in Selfless Service because we want to do it, never because it is an opportunity to look good, to shine in front of others, to get even with our enemies or to convince others we are making a difference. Convince God that you are making a difference, do what you do with ethical practices, do not cheat anyone. Do what you do with moral standards, command respect do not try to demand respect. Selfless service is about respecting the efforts of others when they have made a difference to you, your family, your organization or your community. It is about truly helping those in needs, whether through financial assistance, community service, social support, religious guidance, family support etc. among many of the other services, we as Hindus and Humans need. Finally, we must understand there is a difference between Profession and Passion. One is to perform to help ourselves while the other is to perform to help others, for FREE. Selfless service must be free, without gains, benefits or fame. What is due to you for your rewards will be realized by natural causes through the service you make, the lives you touch and the difference you have introduced. Other will tell you; you will know and you will be happy. Selfless Service is free, rewarding and satisfying but also very thankless and critical. Have thick skin & broad shoulders. Still interested. Willing to sacrifice? You be the Judge!