The Heart of Service An exploration of the spiritual aspects of service and its power to transform our consciousness
WHEN WE SERVE SELFLESSLY, we unlock hidden treasures of joy, expansion, and divine connection. The difference between mere work and true service lies primarily in attitude - specifically, how selfless or how self-involved we are. Even a little training in the right attitudes and practices can elevate our service and make it an extremely effective spiritual path. A life grounded in meditation and service leads to success on all levels. Most importantly, it leads to profound happiness and fulfillment.

The great Indian master Paramhansa Yogananda taught that life has one ultimate purpose: for each one of us to expand our consciousness until we achieve Self-realization, the direct experience of our oneness with God. To reach this lofty goal we must balance meditation and service, each supporting the other.

Yogananda emphasized that any genuine path to liberation must include both meditation and service. He wrote, "Unselfishness takes everybody, including one's own self, into the circle of brotherhood. It brings many harvests: return service from others, self-expansion, divine sympathy, lasting happiness, and Self-realization." Thus, though on the surface this is a book about service, seen more deeply, it is about the journey to Self-realization.

Nayaswami Jyotish is an author, painter, and yogi. He and his wife Devi are the Spiritual Directors of Ananda Sangha, a worldwide association of meditation groups and spiritual communities, founded by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda.