service
When we examine the spiritual path, we may reach a point within ourselves where, by helping others with love, we can continue to grow through mutual interaction.
1. I Serve Myself and My Interests
At this stage, I focus on myself and my personal needs. Everything I do is for my own benefit. I embark on the journey of learning because I feel that something is missing from my life. I can no longer find solutions to my questions with the tools I have, or I simply feel open to exploring spiritual or intellectual growth.
Beginning to notice changes within myself and in my environment. I discover my path and identify the spiritual or intellectual practices that resonate most deeply with me, such as books, courses, or lectures.
I might share my experiences with others, but not primarily to help them, because it’s more about expressing my interests. And yet, this is also the first step in spiritual service.
Negative experiences at this stage might feel like punishments.
2. I Serve to Be Admired by Others
Moving up a step, I continue my spiritual journey with the belief that my experiences can help others. I acknowledge the presence of a “higher guidance” in my life, though I sometimes try to control events rather than trusting this higher power to work in my favor.
My surroundings transform—I form new friendships, adopt a different lifestyle, and leave old habits behind. However, I may become stuck if I start to feel that I have reached the pinnacle of what I can achieve on this path. I might think I have nothing left to learn, lacking humility toward myself and others.
At this stage, I may hold back from offering genuine help or sharing the full depth of my knowledge. My ego might still dominate, leading me to feel superior to others or crave control over them. This is the second step of the service.
3. I Serve Others Out of a Sense of Responsibility
On the third step, I surpass my earlier self and continue to grow. I understand that my life and mindset has changed. Since my environment is constantly changing, I not only adapt but also evolve as well. I recognize that everything happening to me serves my growth, and I embrace this truth.
Surrendering to higher guidance, I no longer resist the teachings that come my way. I am authentic because I live what I teach. Even when life events are less than ideal, I approach them with a new perspective and respond differently.
I share my knowledge with others, though the motivation may still come from a sense of duty rather than heartfelt desire. Speaking about my experiences energizes me and enables me to convey genuine love and interest to those around me.
4. I Serve with Joy, Expressing Love Through Service
On this final step, I integrate all my knowledge and experiences into my life, becoming a source of authenticity for myself and others. I live in harmony.
At this stage, transformation occurs. I fully embrace service as part of who I am, and it brings me joy. It becomes my life’s purpose, and I find fulfillment in it.
Service becomes a central aspect of my life, and my days are largely devoted to helping others. This type of service doesn’t exhaust me; instead, it energizes me.
I offer love and care to others without expecting anything in return. This is where spiritual service truly reaches its highest expression.
