Pada-sevana

Definition

Pada-sevana is a term that translates to 'the practice of devotion' and is closely associated with the worship and service of the divine. This concept highlights the importance of serving and surrendering to a higher power, which can take various forms depending on the specific path one follows, whether it be through action, devotion, or knowledge. At its core, pada-sevana embodies the idea of seeking union with the divine by practicing love, faith, and submission.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pada-sevana emphasizes surrendering one's ego and desires to connect more deeply with the divine.
2. This practice is often expressed through rituals, prayer, and acts of service towards others as a reflection of serving God.
3. In Bhakti Yoga, pada-sevana is central as devotees cultivate a loving relationship with their chosen deity through various forms of worship.
4. The principles of pada-sevana can also influence Karma Yoga, as acting selflessly can be seen as a form of devotion.
5. Pada-sevana is not limited to any one tradition but can be found in various forms across different spiritual paths in Hinduism.

Review Questions

• How does pada-sevana manifest in the practice of Bhakti Yoga?
  • In Bhakti Yoga, pada-sevana manifests as a deep commitment to serving and loving a personal deity. Devotees express their devotion through prayers, singing hymns, and performing rituals that honor their chosen god or goddess. This service is seen as both an act of love and a way to cultivate a personal relationship with the divine, emphasizing the idea that true devotion involves surrendering oneself completely to God.
• Discuss the relationship between pada-sevana and selfless action in Karma Yoga.
  • Pada-sevana and Karma Yoga are interconnected in that both emphasize selflessness in action. Pada-sevana encourages individuals to serve the divine with complete devotion, while Karma Yoga focuses on performing one's duties without attachment to the outcomes. By integrating these practices, one can transform everyday actions into offerings to the divine, thus elevating mundane tasks to acts of worship.
• Evaluate the significance of pada-sevana in understanding the broader concepts of devotion across different spiritual traditions.
  • Evaluating pada-sevana highlights its universal significance in various spiritual traditions beyond Hinduism. It underscores the common theme of surrendering to a higher power and serving with love, which can be seen in practices from Buddhism to Christianity. This concept illustrates how devotion can manifest in diverse ways while maintaining core values of humility, service, and connection with the divine, reinforcing a shared human experience across different belief systems.

Related terms

Bhakti: A devotional path in Hinduism characterized by love and devotion towards a personal god.

Karma Yoga:

The yoga of selfless action, where individuals perform their duties without attachment to the results.

Jnana:

The path of knowledge and wisdom, often pursued through study and contemplation of philosophical texts.