Spirit of Service
For the welfare of the country and of the entire world, the spirit of service, vital enthusiasm, constructive imagination, pure motivation, and unselfish alertness are all needed urgently.
Take Hanuman as your example in service. He served Rama, the Prince of righteousness, regardless of obstacles of all types. Though he was strong, learned, and virtuous, he had no trace of pride. When asked who he was by the demons in Lanka into which he had entered so daringly, he described himself, in all humility, as the ‘servant of Rama.’
Divine Discourse, Sevadal Conference, 19-11-1981
Hanuman became the messenger of Rama. There are three classes of messengers: those who do not understand the orders of the master or do not care to understand, and who operate to the detriment of the work assigned them; those who do only just as much as the order literally communicates; and those who grasp the purpose and significance of the orders and carry them out unflinchingly till the purpose is achieved. Hanuman belonged to the last category. He never flinched in his efforts, whatever the obstacle, and reported back only after he was satisfied with the result of his assignment. He could delve into the commands of Rama and know what His order meant.
As soon as Hanuman received the order, he felt a thrust of power inside him and a new confidence that since he had been so ordered, the strength and intelligence, the courage and the adventurous spirit needed, would be granted by Rama Himself. So, he never had any qualms about his capacity or capability. His body and spirit were vitalized by the very fact that Rama asked him to do something.
He never calculated the pros and cons when Rama asked him to discover the where-abouts of Sita. “Why should I weigh the chances of success or failure?” he said to himself. “The Rama who chose me will bear the responsibility.” He decided to pray and do his best.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol.13
Through the spiritual practice of service, Hanuman attained identity with Rama, as the river attains identity with the sea.
Let compassion and sacrifice be your two eyes; let egolessness be your breath, and love be your tongue. Let peace reverberate in your ears. These are the five vital elements you have to live upon. God will not ask you, when and where did you do service? He will ask, “With what motive did you do it? What was the intention that prompted you?” You may weigh the service and boast of its quantity; but, God seeks quality, the quality of the heart, the purity of the mind, and the holiness of the motive.
Divine Discourse, Sevadal Conference, 19-11-1981
