Is it possible to attain a connection with God solely through selfless service (seva), mindful remembrance (simrim), and regular prayers, without engaging in the recitation of bani or reading from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib?
Is it possible to attain a connection with God solely through selfless service (seva), mindful remembrance (simrim), and regular prayers, without engaging in the recitation of bani or reading from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib?
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Respected Ash Kapoor ji,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
In response to your question, the undersigned wants to say that according to Encyclopedia of Sikhism:
“True seva according to Sikh scriptures must be without desire (nishkam), guileless (nishkapat), in humility (nimarta), with purity of intention (hirda shuddh), with sincerity (chit-lae) and in utter selflessness (vichon ap gavae). Such seva for the Sikh is the doorway to dignity as well as to mukti (liberation). “If one earns merit here through seva, one will get a seat of honour in His Court hereafter.”
Therefore, Nishkam Sewa can be one route to achieve emancipation/salvation in this life itself. However, the qualities required to do Nishkam Sewa can be developed only by imbibing Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings. Therefore, one has to read Gurbani, get rid of vices, become virtuous (ਸਚਿਆਰ), become one with Akalpurakh and Shabad Guru, who are embodiment of each other, and reach the stage of spiritual equipoise and spiritual bliss. A person, who reaches this stage only can be expected to do Nishkam Sewa, without expecting anything in return. Such a person will also not be required to put an effort to do Naam Simran, because it will happen automatically.
Hope it helps. If you have any further questions, please do ask. If you find any deficiencies, please point out the same, for improvement in future.
Regards,
Your brother