Sevā

Seva is also connected to other Sanskrit concepts such as dāna (gift giving), karunā (compassion), and preman (kindness).

[3] Seva is also performed as a form of ego-transcending spiritual practise known as sādhanā, and plays a large role in modern Hinduism.

[8] Sikhs use the term kar sevak to represent people who engage in ministrations, altruistic philanthropy, and humanitarian endeavours in service to religion and society.

Seva has been said to provide good karma which facilitates the atma (soul) to obtain moksha (emancipation from the cycle of death and rebirth).

[10] Before the early nineteenth century, the meaning of seva (serving or honouring) had been virtually synonymous with that of puja (worship), which typically also included distribution of prasad (sacrificial offerings) such as food, fruits, and sweets to all gathered.

[sentence fragment][18] Seva is believed to be a way to control inner vices and is a key process in becoming closer to God.

[19] Some Kar Seva groups and organizations have been criticized for their lack of care for and apathy towards preserving historical Sikh heritage sites, artwork, and architecture during renovation and construction projects.

[20] Large amounts of historical Sikh scriptural manuscripts have been systematically "cremated" (burnt to destruction)[21] over the years at secretive ‘Angitha Sahib’ gurdwaras[22] in Dehradun and around India as part of kar seva.