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Volunteering at adisthan

Introduction

Adisthan is a space dedicated to inner growth, community harmony, and the spirit of sacred service, influenced by theancient Himalayan tradition of Adidhara, which see life as a spiritual journey andbuilds and empowers communities for collective self-realisation.

Volunteering at Adisthan is a spiritual practice rooted in the timeless principle of Seva — selfless service. In this tradition, service is not done for reward or recognition, but as an act of love, discipline, and inner purification.  

Through Seva, one learns humility, dissolves ego, and cultivates harmony between inner and outer worlds. Those who come to serve here are not merely helpers — they are sevaks, those who offer their time, energy, and presence as an expression of gratitude and devotion to Life itself and adhere to 13 core principles or seva sutras of adidhara.

What is seva and sevak?

Seva is a Sanskrit word which means “to serve”. action for others’ well-being without attachment to results. A person who is engaged inseva is referred to as “sevak”.

Seva can be in any form. For a sevak at Adisthan, this can include cleaning, cooking, helping arrange flowers, welcoming guests, coordinating programs and events. Any such well intended activity—done with sincerity—become sacred offerings to The Divine.

Kama through "seva" as a way of personal transformation

Serving without attachment softens the heart, steadies the mind, dissolves separation, and reveals Divinity in all actions. The line between “server” and “served”fades. To serve is to grow. Seva bridges inner stillness and outer action. Let every gesture be an offering to the wholeness of life—leading not to exhaustion but expansion; not to pride but peace; not to achievement but awakening.

Adisthan — 13 Seva Sutras

Guiding Principles for Every Sevak — Heart and Practice in One

1.“Sadhana” – Service to others is to meditate

Service is not work — it is worship. Every act done with awareness purifies the heart.

Practice: Approach every duty as meditation. Even small actions — cleaning, cooking, arranging — are sacred when done mindfully; even small actions become sacred offerings.

 

2.“Seva” - ego has no place in service

Do not serve to be seen or appreciated. The moment of pride is the moment of loss.

Practice: Work quietly, without comparison or competition. Let results speak; your peace is the offering. Release the need for attention or recognition. True service is never sold or exchanged — it is given freely, without bargain or expectation. Let each act be its own reward.

 

3. “Sadbhashana” - Speak as an offering

Use words that heal, unite, and uplift. Silence is better than unnecessary speech.

Practice: Speak only when needed, and kindly. Avoid gossip, judgment, or harshness. Communication should build harmony, not heat. Before speaking, ask: "Is it helpful, necessary, kind, and right?"

 

4. “Sanmana” - Respect all beings and roles

No work is small; no person is higher. The sweeper and the teacher both serve The Same Divine.

Practice: Treat everyone — visitors, coordinators, cooks, gardeners — with equal respect. All tasks are threads of one tapestry. Honor every role and person equally; see the One Presence in all.

 

5.“Shaucha” - Maintain inner and outer cleanliness

Purity of mind reflects in the order of surroundings. Keep both sacred.

Practice: Keep your space tidy, your body fresh, your mind clear. Finish every task completely, restore tools, and maintain order. Dress clean and modest, appropriate to sacred space.

 

6.“Maitri” - Harmony over argument

If conflict arises, return to humility. Peace is the first duty of a sevak.

Practice: If misunderstanding arises, pause, breathe, and recall purpose. Pause before reacting; Discuss privately, not publicly, and respectfully. Choose calm over being “right.” Listen first and seek understanding. When things don’t go as planned, remain steady — success and failure are both teachers. A calm heart sustains harmony.

 

7. “Cetana” - Awareness in every action

Do not rush. Move, clean, cook, and coordinate with full presence.

Practice: Focus on one task at a time. Do not abandon a task because it feels uncomfortable or difficult; perseverance is part of awareness. Be thorough. Complete what you begin. Presence is the bridge between outer work and inner silence. Be thorough before moving on.

 

8. “Kritagya” - Gratitude is the breath of seva

Serve as though you are given a sacred opportunity, not a task.

Practice: Begin and end each service with a silent thank-you. Honor time: arrive on time; finish or hand over properly. Gratitude opens the heart, turns obligation into joy, and softens effort into grace.

9. “Satata” - Integrity, honesty, loyalty, confidentiality

Respect what you see and hear. Never share private matters or entrusted information or affairs casually with anyone.

Practice: Keep any discussion shared with you relating to The Organization, Sacred Space, and community matters discreet. Do not post or repeat sensitive information without permission. Uphold trust as sacred duty. Guard trust. Phones & media require consent; do not post or record without permission.

 

10. “Upadesha” - Embrace guidance, not ego

Listen to coordinators and elders. They represent the dharmic flow of the community.

Practice: Receive direction with humility. If unsure, clarify — not challenge. The flow of seva depends on listening with faith. Follow instructions with humility. Report safety, health, or interpersonal concerns promptly to your coordinator.

 

11. “Sattva” - Positive energy and attitude

Adisthan is a Sacred Place. Every sevak’s vibration shapes the collective energy.

Practice: Enter with peace, serve with devotion, and leave the space calmer than you found it. Keep thoughts and gestures sattvic. Keep it sattvic: no intoxicants or disruptive conduct during seva or on premises.

 

12. “Ashatit” - Serve exceeding expectations

Go beyond the minimum. Anticipate needs before being asked — this is true devotion.

Practice: Be proactive and generous. Offer help before it is requested. Genuine seva is creative, alert, and ever-ready.

 

13. “Karma” – Offer everything, expect nothing, stay steady.

Do the work with a full heart, then place its fruit at The Feet Of The Divine. Karma‑phala—the “fruit of action”—ripens from countless causes; your part is the sowing, not the harvest. Joy arises in the offering itself, not in the outcome.

Practice: Do your best, then let go. No reward, no recognition — just the quiet contentment of having served with love. rest in quiet contentment. Set intention: “May this serve.” Give your best attention and effort. Release the result: exhale and say, “The fruit is not mine.” Meet praise or blame evenly, and rest in quiet contentment. Meet both praise and challenge with the same quiet gratitude; steadfastness is the mark of true karma-yoga.

Volunteer sign-up

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