Sēva is a Sankrit word commonly translated to mean ‘‘selfless service’. Dating as far back as before the dawn of the Common Era in the ancient text, the Mahabharata, scholars have identified its original meaning to convey honoring one’s guru (spiritual teacher) or spiritual community in selfless devotion. Sēva was seen as an essential part of one’s spiritual practice and development. In its modern interpretation, sēva speaks more to participation within a community and acts of service as a contribution to the betterment of humanity.

As a modern-day yoga studio in Boston, we spend time reflecting on how to manage both operating a successful business in the market economy we are a part of as well as how we hold our leadership responsibly. In particular, we strive toward sustainably increasing accessibility to yoga and its benefits.

Both concepts - sēva and accessibility - stem from a broader conversation that we are engaged in - how can we embody as a business and yoga community the principles of traditional yoga and their modern-day application?

Since our doors opened in 2012, we have had an excellent and rotating crew of people who help our studio run day in and day out. They staff the front desk, make sure our studio is sparkling clean, welcome and interact with our students, and contribute their unique flare to making our studio’s culture and community what it is. In essence, they extend their practice of yoga on the mat to their workstudy commitment off the mat. In exchange, we support their study of yoga. We are so grateful for their efforts. We wouldn’t be who we are without our Workstudy Crew!