The devotee says: “This is terrible. What’s wrong in my wanting to be happy? Can I not be happy without the prospect of pain?” God’s answer is: “Son, you can always be happy. All you have to do is abandon the idea of asking for worldly rewards. Worldly rewards do not confer unalloyed happiness. When you study hard for an examination, do not dream of smashing success, etc. Just say, ‘Lord, I am doing my duty. I am doing my best. The rest I leave in Your hands.’ Pray in that fashion and I shall take care of everything. You have the right to work; you also have the duty to work. You can, if you wish, aspire for Karmaphalam. But if you give up that option, if you sacrifice Karmaphalam, then your worries are over; for I shall take care of everything, and you will enjoy nothing but Bliss! If you do not sacrifice Karmaphalam, then you will get what you desire and something else also that you did not bargain for! Sorry, but that’s the way it is. You can’t have the cake and eat it too! Take your pick!”

To put it in a nutshell: To work is our right and duty but it is best to work without any expectation of reward. This is the essence of Service or Seva.