This incident has reference to a place where a huge and beautiful lake lay. On its bank at one corner was written a name in prominent letters. A visitor to the place asked the local people, “Who is this great man who built this lake? What a holy act he has performed here. This lake must be the pivot of life for at least four to five villages lying around here.”
The local residents smiled and replied, “No, all that this man did was to repair a small part of this lake, that’s all. As to who got this lake constructed, we ourselves do not know, because the lake is quite old.”
In brief: It is natural for two views to emerge to the forefront on looking at the small or big act of service performed to mankind, on reading the above narrative. One is worship of God without even letting the shadow of one’s fame or name to crop up and contrary to this is that the prayer which is done with the objective of earning name and fame becomes like a business deal; it is not worship or selfless service. Secondly, the race that is on for earning fame for every small piece of work done is nothing but a symbol of commercial enterprise in the name of working for the benefit of mankind. Similar is the difference between our ancient spiritual heritage and today’s common values in life.
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