Being of service

“Being of service” is often proffered as the desired situation for those on a spiritual path. However there seems to be some confusion regarding what this actually means, and an underlying tension between being and doing.

If we examine the individual words, perhaps we can gain some insight.

First let’s look at “being.” Being can be thought of as embodying an energetic state, and in this context, perhaps states such as loving kindness or authentic compassion. Although these states may lead to action, the focus would be on achieving and maintaining the embodied state.

Next let’s look at “of”. It seems that it is worth distinguishing between “being of service” vs. “being in service”. Being “in” might mean engaged or involved, whereas being “of” might mean associated with or connected to.

And finally let’s look at “service”. A few of the amazingly diverse definitions are:

Work done to benefit, help or assist another “doing someone a service”.

Presumably this is the meaning we are most interested in, however other definitions of service are:

maintain or repair something “service the truck, machine, etc.”
types of work / activity: civil service; military service; activities of a service organization; religious services
kinds of utilities: “bus service, telephone service”
the act of breeding animals: “males service females”
the initiation of action in sport: “service of the ball”
delivering a writ or summons; “service of the subpoena”

It seems that service has become a euphemism for doing many things. So what do we really mean in a spiritual context, is this another euphemism?

In order to address this question it is useful to inquire into the shadow side of “being of service” as it appears in our culture.

Being of service is presented as “a higher calling”, and by inference is superior to other work, or other doings – appeal to our desire for superiority
In order to be of service there must be those who are being served (usually humans). There is a risk in our culture that those doing the serving become the “heroes” – appeal to our inner hero. This relationship can also become one of rescuer and victim – appeal to our desire to rescue others, and be rescued ourselves
Being of service is often stated as an advanced spiritual attribute – appeal to the part of us that wants to be special, advanced, or doing something important, rather than ordinary
Being of service has become a marketing slogan – where it is used to sell a service; with the usual explanations of the importance of reciprocity and abundance – appeal to our inner spiritual capitalist
Being of service involves self sacrifice, personal costs and personal decline; often magnified if there are vows of service involved – appeal to our inner martyr
Planetary service – since this an “even greater” calling it holds the potential for all of the above – in CAPITAL letters

Ancient spiritual traditions seem to focus on the basics, the “chop wood, carry water” approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining humility while on a spiritual path, and recognizing the shadow appeals and spiritual glamours.

Developing the capacity to consciously “be” (hold an energetic or state such as loving kindness, true compassion, or deep gratitude) is extraordinarily challenging, of great value, and inspiring or healing to those whose lives are touched.

And there is important work to “do”, from personal to planetary.