Today’s reading defines “service” as being in harmony with one’s Self. It is aligned with the definition of “service” as Ramana Maharshi used it when he said:
“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
Prior to realization, service is seeking the light, seeking the light’s point-of-view and surrendering to the light’s guidance.
The opposite of service is “conflict.” Conflict is seeking one’s individual will, clinging to one’s individual point-of-view, and doing things “my way.”
One reason that individual will is conflict is because, as we have already seen, no two individual minds are exactly alike. Therefore, whenever we cling to our individual will, we eventually conflict with any other individual will that we come into contact with.
Another reason that individual will is conflict is because it conflicts with our own true heart. That is, it conflicts with our spiritual aspiration, which is what we want most of all.
Today’s reading says that service is joy. That’s because there is no conflict in service. When we are in service to the light, we are in harmony with ourselves and with the truth of all beings. We are in-tune with the natural benevolence of the universe. We are the presence of love by being in harmony with love through service.
As you read today’s reading, contemplate your desire for service over self-centered living. As you do, you may notice the part of your mind that clings to self-centered living. That is the part of your mind that is afraid of full and total service. It believes it loses something in service. It believes it loses itself in service. It holds onto itself through self-centeredness.
As you notice the part of your mind that resists service and clings to self-centeredness, you are noticing the part of your self that prefers conflict to love. Look at it as it shows up in your contemplation today. See it, acknowledge its presence, and then ask, “What do I truly want?” There are two wills in you now, but which one is your true heart’s desire?
