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Firstly, I am not working for name and fame. When a person does selfless service, fame
comes to him, though he does not want it. You found it so in the case of Mahatma Gandhiji’s
life also. Only selfless persons know how to utilize even that fame for doing more selfless
service to a greater number of persons.
Secondly, it is through publicity that I come into contact with more and more seekers
after truth. It is the publicity that enables more and more people to offer me opportunities to
serve them. When people glorify me, they glorify only Sannyasa, they glorify a divine life of
Sadhana: and if by bringing this to the notice of others, they too can be inspired to lead the divine
life, practice Sadhana for attaining Self-realization, I do not neglect it. As you know, lives of
great men remind you that you can make your life sublime.
Thirdly, the man who runs after name and fame would nor do menial service, would not
mix freely with everybody, would not cut jokes and make people laugh in his presence, he would
keep himself “far above” the common run of mankind, compel the awe and reverence of tile
people, and by artificially dwelling on high philosophical themes alone during his conversations,
would endeavour to impress on those who meet him that he is far above all of them. I like to mix
with all and to make everybody feel that I am one with all. 1 take intense delight in doing every
kind of service to everybody. I am full of educative humour; even a young boy can cut jokes
with me.
Please come here and spend some time in the Ashram. You will change your opinion.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda