Name and Fame

To a group of devotees and disciples, (Swami Sivananda) said, “Some are very anxious to acquire name and fame. They make a show of themselves. They travel in cars, build clock towers and sky-scrapers. They wear costly dress and employ a number of servants. They pose as great servants of society. Every moment they try to get more fame. But the slightest criticism upsets them. They cannot bear opposition. They wish that everyone should respect them. In spite of all this they do not get the fame they seek and hence get upset and restless.

“But if a man is really selfless he will not care for name and fame. He will do his work with great interest but will not expect any reward for it. Work itself is his reward. He has no desire for fame. He can bear abuse. Only such a man will enjoy peace. He will get fame also; it will be his handmaid. But he will not be attached to it. Such a one alone can do real service to society.

“Give up all desire for fame. Work in a spirit of dedication. You will enjoy bliss. You will get fame also. Work with single-minded devotion and dedication.”

An excerpt from "A Great Guru and An Ideal Disciple"