Do not differentiate between seva and sadhana. Each compliments the other. On daily sahana, there should be no compromise but the rest of the time serve with love. A sevaka is also a sadhaka.

Duty (feeling that you have to do it as there is no choice) and seva are not the same. You can be a worker or a sevaka. A sevaka  seeks an opportunity to serve. Serving should be voluntary. When you are a sevaka (serving) who is the sevya (one who is being served)? The one whom you are serving is the Guru or God. This should be the attitude. Be loving and humble when you serve. Look for opportunity to serve. Serving with love is a great sadhana.

“The grace of the divine is available to those who dedicate their life to hard work with a positive and prayerful attitude.”

Paramahamsa Prajnanananda

(Excerpt from Sthita Prajna, Volume 16, Issue 2, April 2015)