The prime purpose of Seva opportunities is to provide volunteers with a chance to train themselves in the attitudes of humility, readiness and reverence, that are so essential for one's own happiness and for social security. I have been addressing the persons selected every time, so that they may know what is expected of them, especially as the urge behind their service activities. Among the nine steps of devotional progress, the fourth and the fifth highlight the attitude of seva; it is referred to as Padasevanam and Dasyam (serving the Feet of the Lord or doing acts offered at the Feet of the Lord and considering oneself as the servant of the Lord). Service is basically activity arising out of the yearning to win the grace of God. Through seva alone can man attain mastery, and through mastery of the senses, passions and predilections, man can attain Divinity itself.

- Divine Discourse, Jun 26, 1969.