Significance of Spiritual service
Spiritual service, as described in various traditions including Vaishnavism and Theravada, encompasses actions and practices dedicated to the worship of the Supreme Lord. It involves devotion and selfless acts performed with love and pure intention towards God, aiming for spiritual fulfillment and connection to the divine. This includes engaging in devotional activities for the benefit of Krishna and the community, as well as assisting spiritual teachers and supporting others on their spiritual journeys. The essence of spiritual service reflects true devotion and the aspiration to connect deeply with the Divine.
Synonyms: Spiritual practice, Religious service, Devotional service, Sacred service, Spiritual gathering, Religious duty, Pastoral care, Devotional practice, Religious offering
In Dutch: Spirituele dienst
In Finnish: Henkinen palvelu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Spiritual service'
Spiritual service in Buddhism includes acts by the Buddha and his disciples to aid spiritual journeys, and the dedicated support offered by Ananda, highlighting both physical and mental contributions to spiritual growth.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Acts performed by the Buddha or his disciples aimed at assisting individuals in their spiritual journeys.[1]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The proactive support and assistance provided by Ananda to the Buddha, encompassing both physical and mental forms of dedication.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual service'
In Hinduism, Spiritual service encompasses a range of devotional activities, including worship and selfless acts aimed at realizing unity with Brahman, serving God and community, and fostering deep connections to the divine through dedicated practice and transformation.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Acts of devotion and service directed toward Krishna, often inspired by experiences of divine offerings or other spiritual encounters.[3] (2) Actions or practices dedicated to the Supreme Lord, which foster a deeper understanding and connection to the divine.[4] (3) Actions and practices dedicated to the worship and pleasure of the Supreme Lord, integral to devotional life.[5] (4) Devotion and actions performed in service to the Supreme Personality, as a means to achieve real spiritual fulfillment.[6] (5) The act of engaging in devotional practices directed towards God and the divine, which is essential for genuine spiritual fulfillment.[7]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The act of serving Krishna, which transcends physical or material acts and engages the soul in a higher reality.[8] (2) The act of devotion and worship served to Godhead, reflecting love and care for Him.[9] (3) Acts performed with the intention of serving Godhead, elevating them beyond materialistic comparisons.[10] (4) Acts performed with devotion and love towards Krishna, transcending mundane significance and manifesting the purity of heart required to truly serve the Divine.[11] (5) The act of dedicating one's efforts, including learning and resources, to serve the Supreme Lord.[12]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Devotional activities performed for the benefit and pleasure of Krishna and the community.[13] (2) Acting in devotion and support within the context of spiritual practices.[14]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The practice of dedicating oneself to serve the Supreme Lord, regarded as the highest aspiration for devotees.[15] (2) The various acts of devotion and help provided by followers in preparing the manuscript and proofreading.[16]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The actions and devotion performed by devotees towards the Lord with selflessness and pure intention.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The acts of worship that encompass oral, bodily, and mental devotion towards the divine.[18] (2) Forms of worship performed verbally, orally, and physically, as acts of devotion toward God.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The acts and expressions of devotion and worship rendered to the Supreme, which carry immense value.[20] (2) The act of devotion leading to transformation and ultimate realization of unity with Brahman through dedicated practices and self-growth.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Devotion and actions aimed at serving one's spiritual teacher and engaging in the worship of Krishna.[22]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to Soma's wish for a physical form with splendour to carry out his duty, demonstrating the relationship between deity and service.[23]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The eternal engagement of King Vikrama-Vetala in the service of Lord Vishnu after reciting the Fourteenth Chapter and giving up his body.[24]
The concept of Spiritual service in local and regional sources
Spiritual services emphasize devotion and commitment, enabling individuals to fulfill God's divine will in their lives. Such practices are vital for devotees seeking deeper spiritual connections and understanding of their faith.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Spiritual service is an essential practice for devotees, reflecting their commitment to God and the pursuit of fulfilling God's divine will in their lives.[25]