Selfless Service

Remember to set apart at least one hour every day to do some service for others. While the food we eat nurtures our bodies, it is what we give in charity that nurtures our souls. If time is not available daily, reserve at least a few hours every week for some worthwhile act of charity. Whatever we give, give it with discrimination.

Renunciation in our lives

Renunciation should become a part of our lives. If we're accustomed to buying ten new outfits of clothes a year, limit the purchases to one each year, reducing our wardrobes to what we really need. The money saved by ten people in this manner can be enough to build a house for a deserving person. This in turn may also encourage them to become a devotee. By renouncing even a little bit, the money saved can be donated to charitable activities.

Helping others

Children, we should simplify our life's needs and use the resulting savings for charity. Contribute to charitable projects like the printing and publication of spiritual books so that they can be sold at a lower price. Poor people will then be able to buy and read them. In this way we can help to cultivate spiritual culture in them also.

We must set aside a certain part of our income for helping others. If it is not possible to give the money directly to the needy, it may be given instead to ashrams or spiritual organizations engaged in service activities. We may, for example, make spiritual publications available to school, college and public libraries. Our unselfish and compassionate acts will not only help others, but will also help to broaden our minds as well. One who picks a flower for offering is the first one to enjoy its fragrance and beauty. Likewise, it is our own self that is awakened through our selfless acts. Our very breath, suffused with good thoughts, benefits others as well as Mother Nature.

Children, when you serve the world selflessly, you are serving Mother herself.