View source for How to Become Famous in the Eyes of God

Fame is one of the six primary opulences (wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation) possessed in full by the Supreme Lord. In the material world, everyone is struggling to capture a reflection of this opulence. People work hard to become rich, strong, or learned, primarily with the hope of '''becoming famous'''.  However, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the pursuit of material fame is often a trap, whereas the fame achieved by acting as an instrument of God is eternal and glorious.

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=== Instrument of the Lord ===

The most potent way to become famous is to align oneself with the desire of the Supreme. In the ''Bhagavad-gītā'', Kṛṣṇa reveals to Arjuna that the enemies on the battlefield are already killed by His arrangement. He then instructs Arjuna to fight, not to secure the victory, but to take the credit. Kṛṣṇa wants His devotees to be glorified. By simply agreeing to act as the immediate cause (''nimitta-mātram''), a devotee achieves a reputation that lasts for millennia.

* [[Vaniquotes:If you (Arjuna) want to become famous as the hero of the battlefield and thus enjoy the booty of war, then, O Savyasaci, just become the immediate cause of this killing and thus take the credit|If you (Arjuna) want to become famous as the hero of the battlefield and thus enjoy the booty of war, then, O Savyasaci, just become the immediate cause of this killing and thus take the credit.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to ksatriya rules, an enemy should be fought face to face and with proper weapons. Then if the enemy is killed, the victor becomes famous|According to ksatriya rules, an enemy should be fought face to face and with proper weapons. Then if the enemy is killed, the victor becomes famous.]]

=== Fame Through Surrender ===

Paradoxically, in spiritual life, one can become famous by losing everything. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the example of Bali Mahārāja. Generally, people become famous for acquiring wealth and power. Bali Mahārāja, however, was deprived of all his possessions by Lord Vāmanadeva. Because he surrendered everything to the Lord with a happy heart, his fame is greater than that of any wealthy king. Similarly, Nārada Muni, born the son of a maidservant, became the famous spiritual master of the entire universe through simple service to the Vaiṣṇavas.

* [[Vaniquotes:Generally men who have wealth and opulence are famous, but Bali Maharaja became famous for all time by being deprived of all his possessions. This is the special mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead toward His devotees|Generally men who have wealth and opulence are famous, but Bali Maharaja became famous for all time by being deprived of all his possessions. This is the special mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead toward His devotees.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Narada was simply a maidservant's son, but he got the opportunity to serve exalted brahmanas & Vaisnavas, & thus in his next life he not only became liberated, but became famous as the supreme spiritual master of the entire Vaisnava disciplic succession|Narada was simply a maidservant's son, but he got the opportunity to serve exalted brahmanas and Vaisnavas, and thus in his next life he not only became liberated, but became famous as the supreme spiritual master of the entire Vaisnava disciplic succession.]]

=== Ambition Trap ===

For a practicing devotee, the desire for fame can be a subtle contaminant. If one engages in preaching, writing, or art with the hidden motive of personal popularity, the spiritual potency is lost. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that such endeavors become a "farce." True service is done for the pleasure of Kṛṣṇa, not for the applause of the public. If one is in the mode of passion, seeking to become famous by utilizing the Lord's mercy, they miss the ultimate goal.

* [[Vaniquotes:Everything is spoiled. They have given so much coverage, and everything has been farce. Because, don't mind, you wanted to become famous - that is the intention - therefore it has become a farce|Everything is spoiled. They have given so much coverage, and everything has been farce. Because, don't mind, you wanted to become famous - that is the intention - therefore it has become a farce.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:When the so-called devotee desires material enjoyment, without reference to the interest of the Supreme Lord, or he wants to become famous or opulent by utilizing the mercy or grace of the Supreme Lord, he is in the mode of passion|When the so-called devotee desires material enjoyment, without reference to the interest of the Supreme Lord, or he wants to become famous or opulent by utilizing the mercy or grace of the Supreme Lord, he is in the mode of passion.]]

=== Standard of Kali-yuga ===

The degradation of the current age is such that the definition of fame has plummeted. In previous ages, one became famous for great sacrifices, heroism, or austerity. In Kali-yuga, the struggle for existence is so severe that a man is considered famous and successful simply if he can maintain his family. This sharp contrast highlights the pettiness of material aspirations in this age.

* [[Vaniquotes:Another symptom of Kali-yuga is daksyam kutumba-bharanam (SB 12.2.6): one will be famous for his pious activities simply if he can maintain his family|Another symptom of Kali-yuga is daksyam kutumba-bharanam (SB 12.2.6): one will be famous for his pious activities simply if he can maintain his family.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Real fame is not manufactured by public relations or media coverage; it is awarded by Kṛṣṇa. As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, Yasodā-mātā became famous simply because Kṛṣṇa agreed to be her son. The dynasty of Yadu became famous because Kṛṣṇa appeared in it. Fame is a shadow of the Supreme Lord. When one ceases the frantic struggle to be recognized by the world and instead seeks to be recognized by Kṛṣṇa through sincere service, true glory follows naturally, both in this world and the next.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Becoming_Famous|Becoming Famous]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
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