As per legends, the Buddha had convened his first group of disciples and instructed them to undertakeseparate journeys for their missionary work. He emphasised that this will result in helping the world and creating happiness in the lives of many people. Serving the society by helping others creates a better enviorment for all of us.
Being interconnected with each other, we live an integrated life, and to create a peaceful self, we cannot let self- interest predominate loving-kindness.
Mrs. Shreelata Rudra, associated with the Servants of the People Society – founded by Lala Lajpat Rai – for the last 20 years, shares her experience with WisdomWinds on how serving people helped her in understanding her inner self. Mrs. Shreelata says, “Years ago I walked into the Society’s office with a blank mind and a few possessions to donate, but when I walked out, I had an agenda at hand – to help slum children receive good education. That was the start of my journey. Through one of our initiatives at the Society, we help slum children aged between 3-5 years receive pre- school education so that they are able to get admitted into good public schools as a part of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. We ensure that these children get their due place in the society. Currently, we have around 1000 students in 18 locations throughout Delhi.”
She further adds, “Although, I work on a volunteer basis, the joy that I derive out of my work cannot be equated with financial gain. Over the years, I have gained peace of mind, feeling of accomplishment, maturity as an individual, while accepting my personal s pace and finding a meaning to my life.”
