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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Seeta Lakhani, Hindu Tutor at Eton College

Learn to Live ‘For’ Each Other

Good morning.

Hinduism emphasises that spiritual living is all about putting the needs of others first. A family unit, a neighbourhood, a community, can only operate successfully if there is a shared concern and duty of care. Especially for those who are vulnerable and most in need of support.

I see this on a weekly basis when I get phone calls from families with concerns about their loved ones. I’m the manager of a care company. So I can see in front of my own eyes the very real challenges faced by elderly people and their families.

A central tenet of the Hindu religion is not just to learn to live ‘with’ each other. But to learn to live ‘for’ each other. As part of my job I’ve seen so many families where the children put the care needs of their elderly parents over and above their own.

The Sanskrit word ‘Seva’ means selfless service. It demolishes any sense of pride or ego. According to Hinduism, helping others is the most natural thing to do. In fact it’s a true privilege to be in a position to help. Hindu philosophy emphasises that it is not just the receiver, but the giver that is blessed.

Hinduism, as do so many religious traditions around the world, pays great emphasis on becoming a giver: a giver of love, help, service, any little thing possible. I pray that I can do my part in seeing and responding to the needs of those around me - because for me God is here, in everyone around me.