Supporting in Spirit and Actions
Supporting any person, cause, movement, or idea can be done in two ways: Spiritual and physical. In our materialistic world, people often think of physical support such as money or offering their physical and mental energies. Although it is commendable, it underestimates the importance of spiritual support.
It has been the desire and wish of Nazz Rest Home that its foundation should be in spirituality and pure intention of service to humanity. Considering this, we appreciate prayers and all the good wishes that can be showered on Nazz Rest Home.
Besides prayers, volunteers can play a vital role in helping with the functioning of Nazz Rest Home. Volunteers from India or abroad are welcome; in the second phase of development, rooms will be designated for them to stay at Nazz Rest Home and assist with day-to-day tasks. There will be a process of selecting volunteers to ensure all their needs are met, and all their questions are answered so that their transition will be smooth and efficient when they come.
Below is material prepared to assist in understanding the importance of services offered by volunteers.
Every concerned citizen of this world struggles to balance their time, juggling efforts at spiritual growth, family life, work and commitments in the community. Thanks to technological advancement, with so many gadgets enabling us to multitask more, we have been transformed from human beings into human doings.
Also, the rampant spread of materialism threatens our spiritual growth and drains our energy. Given all this frenetic activity, how can we have time for one more thing—one more social action, one more commitment? Though providing a service to others may initially sound like one more chore to fit into our already busy lives, it does not necessarily need to become a big project. Any look, gesture, word or action that helps others can give the gift of an act of service.
The concept of service is nothing new to most of us since we have a wealth of spiritual teachings on this subject from many religious sources, philosophers, poets, great thinkers and humanitarians. We know how holy figures like Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna, Mahatma Gandhi and Abdu’l-Baha exemplified service throughout their lives:
“My devotees, though performing all kinds of actions, take full refuge in Me. By My grace, they attain the eternal and imperishable abode.” ~Bhagavad Gita
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~Mahatma Gandhi
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Mark
“And do not forget to do good to one another.” ~Qur’an
“Service to humanity is service to God.” ~Abdu’l-Baha
How else can our world become united if its citizens don’t try to help each other? How else can the sufferings of the world be reduced? Ordinary people like you and me will ultimately make a difference and make this earth a better and more peaceful place if we take one more step to help our fellow human beings.
The Baha’i teachings encourage all people to extend themselves into the arena of service to others:
“A Baha’i who serves others is like unto a candle which burns and sheds light upon all those who circle around it. The highest attainable station of the candle is to burn and brighten the dark room, and the loftiest pinnacle of our progress and perfection is to be confirmed in service…“ ~Abdu’l-Baha
As you embark on your quest to serve humanity, here are a few words of caution: Please make sure, while offering your services, that you respect the boundaries of agencies, individuals, and families. Also, focus on why you’re there serving—not on the motives of others. Some volunteers in organizations for self-recognition or out of boredom and don’t capture the essence of serving others with selfless intention. Be aware of this in any voluntary situation so it doesn’t discourage or negatively influence you.
If you approach the opportunity to serve others, however, with a radiant countenance and the pure motivation of kindness and love, you’ll find that the gifts you give will come back to you a thousandfold.