Seva

The Focus of a Fragmented but Gradually Coalescing Field of Study

Authors

  • Gwilym Beckerlegge The Open University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/rosa.v9i2.31070

Keywords:

gifting, Hindu philanthropy, service, sevā

Abstract

The study of seva in the Hindu tradition has increasingly come to focus on its relatively recent meaning of organized 'humanitarian service'. Acknowledging that this is but one understanding that has been attached to this concept, this article traces the emergence of a more clearly defined body of scholarly studies centred on the promotion of the practice of humanitarian service as a sadhana by Hindu movements and their teachers since the early nineteenth century. Noting links between the study of seva, social reform in India, voluntary action, and national and international humanitarianism, the article argues for the importance of this branch of study in the early twenty-first century.

Author Biography

  • Gwilym Beckerlegge, The Open University

    Gwilym Beckerlegge’s research has centred on sevā, with particular reference to Swami Vivekananda’s influence on the Ramakrishna Math and Mission and other contemporary Hindu movements. Details of his recent publications may be found at (http://oro.open.ac.uk/view/person/gtb2.html) and (http://www.open.ac.uk/people/gtb2).

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Published

2016-06-16

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Beckerlegge, G. (2016). Seva: The Focus of a Fragmented but Gradually Coalescing Field of Study. Religions of South Asia, 9(2), 208-239. https://doi.org/10.1558/rosa.v9i2.31070