The benefits of Dhamma service
A message from Goenkaji on the value of Dhamma service
While serving, you are learning how to apply Dhamma in day-to-day life. After all, Dhamma is not an escape from daily responsibilities. By learning to act according to Dhamma in dealing with students and situations here in the little world of a meditation course or centre, you train yourself to act in the same way in the world outside. Despite the fact that unwanted things keep happening, you practise trying to maintain the balance of your mind, and to generate love and compassion in response. This is the lesson that you are trying to master here. You are a student as much as those who are sitting in the course.
Keep on learning while humbly serving others. Keep thinking, “I am here in training, to practise serving without expecting anything in return. I am working so that others may benefit from the Dhamma. Let me help them by setting a good example, and in so doing, help myself as well.”
May all of you who give Dhamma service become strengthened in Dhamma.
May you learn to develop your goodwill, love and compassion for others.
May all of you progress in Dhamma, and enjoy real peace, real harmony, real happiness.
S.N. Goenka
Guidelines for serving
Whether it be during courses, attending work periods or work-bee weekends, staying at the centre for extended periods, or long-term service, servers at all Vipassana centre always sit three group meditations each day. They can also attend the evening discourse during courses and usually meet together in the evening with an assistant teacher for a metta session.
Just as there is a Code of Discipline for students meditating, so there is a Code of Conduct for Dhamma Servers. The most common feedback given by servers is their appreciation of how this programme helps them integrate the practice of Dhamma into their busy daily lives.
