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Yoga — Skill in Action
Offering Seva in Shree Muktananda Ashram

Seva, selfless service, is one of the core spiritual practices on the Siddha Yoga path. At Shree Muktananda Ashram, staff and visiting Siddha Yogis from around the world offer their skills, talents, and energy in support of the SYDA Foundation’s work—serving the Siddha Yoga Mission.

In a great scripture of India, Shri Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches, "Yoga is skill in action." By serving with love and attentiveness, we cultivate proficiency, self-confidence, joy, and evenness of mind, and we strengthen our connection to the inexhaustible source of joy and power at the core of our being. Practicing seva in this way, we move toward attaining the goal of yoga: the steady awareness of our union with the Self.

As you view these photos of Siddha Yogis engaged in many different types of seva, you are invited to reflect on how each expresses skill in action through qualities such as focus, respect, and enthusiasm.

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When I view the photos in this gallery, my eye and heart are drawn to seeing the unity they represent. Sometimes I see it as a unity of focus, as when two or more sevites are physically collaborating, or gazing together at the same screen or display board. Sometimes it feels more like a unity of purpose, as when sevites are working separately but clearly united in their commitment to their parallel tasks.
 
Knowing that sevites at Shree Muktananda Ashram come from many different countries, I am inspired each time this gallery reminds me that, no matter where they come from, it is their love of the Guru and their dedication to offering seva to the Siddha Yoga mission that unites them.
 

Illinois, USA

When I looked at Shiva Nataraj with the pink blossoming tree behind him, I was reminded of how much I love Shiva Nataraj and this magnificent tree.

At the time, the television was on and I could hear the news, which I didn’t find uplifting. I thought, how can I block that out? Then I realized I didn't have to block out anything; Shiva's play contains everything.
 

Oregon, USA

Every time I view the Yoga—Skill in Action Gallery, my heart fills with peace. I behold each sevite’s full attention on his particular task of the moment, and I appreciate everyone’s effort. Thus, I am reminded of all the joy, learning, and unity that happens through the practice of seva.
 

Oregon, USA

When I am cleaning or doing other daily tasks, I often find myself remembering images from this gallery. Most often what comes to mind is the calm, focused expression that I see on so many of the faces in the photos. The memory of these images affects my state, bringing a quiet joy to my efforts.
 

Hampton, Australia