Author: Arun K. Lal
In Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasises the importance of Karma Yoga; the path of selfless action. He teaches Arjuna that genuine effort and commitment are not reflected through reward, public validation or community acceptance, but rather reflected through sincere selfless action. In verse 25, Krishna urges humanity to consistently consider the welfare of others, emphasising detachment from the ego and alignment with empathy.
Further, in Chapter 17, verses 20-22, we find Arjuna asking Lord Krishna how to judge the faith of people who ignore scripture but still worship with devotion. Lord Krishna responds by detailing that even charity is shaped by intention, which comes in three forms: Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. Of these, Sattvic (goodness) charity is described as “That gift which is given out of duty, to a worthy person, at the proper time and place and without expectation of return, is considered to be in the mode of goodness.”
What is common and consistent about Karma Yoga and Sattvic is the necessity to act; both principles stand as a call to action. Acknowledgement alone is insufficient. Similarly, both principles centre on the individual’s relation to serving their community. This provides perspective and encourages detachment from the ego. Ultimately, Karma Yoga and Sattvic are tools used by the individual for the betterment of society. It is precisely these teachings that lie as the bedrocks upon which the mandir stands.
The urgency to implement such tools has become paramount when viewed against the realities unfolding in the real world. To understand the impact of aid, it is essential to be informed of the causes of suffering.
Inflation increases household costs such as food and energy bills and takes away money intended for rent. This makes eviction unavoidable. Parliament has recently introduced reforms to ban Section 21 “no-fault” evictions from the Housing Act 1988, which is a major trigger for homelessness in the UK. Moreover, the Secretary of State for Housing presented their national plan to “End Homelessness” in December 2025.
As genuine as these efforts are, the unfortunate reality is they are insufficient to counter the increasing rise of homelessness. Within London alone, a record high of 13,231 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the capital in 2024/25; furthermore, the number of people who had been seen rough sleeping in at least two consecutive years increased by 27%.
This is where Lord Krishna’s teachings find their way into our modern world.
The statistic of one million meals is not intended to be prideful but stands as a testament to how much of an impact commitment to Karma Yoga while adhering to Sattvic principles can have on our community. Behind this benchmark is a community dedicating their time to practice Krishna’s teachings. Families refusing to let excess food go to waste, students choosing to feed the hungry and devotees contributing to the betterment of our community.
For over 8 years, Jalaram Soup Kitchen (JSK) has continued the Sadavrat tradition taught by Shree Jalaram Bapa. Our Seva began with individuals who chose to alleviate the suffering of others without expectation of reward. Our Seva is sustained by those practising detachment from their ego and guided by empathy. And our Seva will continue growing by those willing to transform knowledge into action. At Jalaram Mandir, to practise Seva is to practice Karma Yoga and strive towards Sattvic action.
Dignity and respect for the individual does not disappear in times of temporary hardship.
