Significance of Service to the Lord
Service to the Lord in Vaishnavism encompasses a range of devotional acts and responsibilities directed toward the divine. It signifies engagement in worship, respect towards higher spiritual power, and the fundamental duty of devotion by individuals. This dedication is seen as a pathway to liberation, aligning devotees with divine qualities and providing spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, Service to the Lord is viewed as the greatest treasure according to sacred texts, recognizing the eternal nature of devotion and the importance of pleasing the Supreme Being.
Synonyms: Devotion to god, Worship of the lord, Religious service, Faithful service, Spiritual service, Devotion to the lord, Religious duty
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Service to the Lord'
Service to the Lord in Hinduism encompasses acts of devotion, reverence, and dedication towards the Supreme Being, leading to spiritual fulfillment and liberation, emphasizing servanthood as a core identity of the individual soul.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of devotion and dedication that Nityananda Svarupa performs in relation to Gaurasundara.[1] (2) The devotional actions and respect shown by Nandana Acarya towards Mahaprabhu.[2] (3) The act of devotion and service directed towards the Lord, often involving acceptance of difficulties as part of divine mercy.[3] (4) The act of offering items and showing devotion according to personal favorable moods.[4] (5) The primary duty of a devotee, which encompasses worship, devotion, and actions directed towards the Supreme Lord.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The intended purpose of the individual soul's body and limbs, which is to engage in devotion and service to the divine.[6] (2) The act of devotion and dedication to the Lord, which the speaker claims provides liberation from mental afflictions.[7] (3) Refers to the act of devotion and worship rendered to the Lord, emphasizing that service can be offered by anyone without restrictions.[8] (4) The act of devotion and support towards the divine and its followers, which aligns an individual with divine qualities.[9] (5) Referred to as ‘Sheshatva,’ this attribute emphasizes the role of servanthood as the primary identifier of the individual soul.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Engagement in acts of devotion and worship directed towards the divine presence, referred to as Govinda in this context.[11] (2) The act of performing activities with the intention of pleasing the Lord.[12] (3) Service to the Lord refers to acts of devotion or dedication towards God, often seen as the ultimate goal of longing.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) engagement in worship and duties directed towards the divine; signifies devotion in action.[14] (2) devotional service directed towards a higher spiritual power[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The dedication and devotion shown through worship and acts of reverence towards the divine.[16]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The act of engaging in devotion and serving Bhagavan Shri Vasudeva, following the establishment of a relationship with Him.[17]