This is called Karma Arpanam or the offering of action to God.

Karma of category one is ordinary Karma. Karma of category two is Nishkaama Karma (selfless action). Karma of category three is Pavithra Karma (sacred action = selfless action + Pure Love).

Seva that Sai devotees normally perform belongs to category two. This is particularly so when the Seva is done in a routine and perfunctory fashion, that is to say without putting one’s heart into the service. Seva of category three is what God likes most.

In Prashanti Nilayam, one can sometimes see Seva Dal volunteers singing Bhajans in a spirited manner while discharging their duties. This is real Pavithra Karma. These people are not only doing work without any expectation of reward, but are actually enjoying doing their work; they are enjoying their work because they are charged with the feeling that they are working for Sai.