“Receive without pride,

let go without attachment.”

No, this was not said by the Buddha but by Marcus Aurelius. Whether we’re lauded for an accomplishment at work or in our community, praised by those we hold important in our lives, or honored by those we don’t even know, we need to “receive without pride.”

Remember, we could not have accomplished what we did alone, in a vacuum. Accomplishments are a combination of our actions and those of others. An amalgamation of everyone’s conditions correctly aligned, all due to results of past actions. Yes, the conditions were right for us. But there’s no reason for us to get carried away. 

With our bearings steady, when conditions change, we will not be off-kilter when praise and honors pass on to others. Not being enamored with receiving recognition, we are able to “let go without attachment.” 

We are appreciative of what is happening but not excited by it. And we will remain calm and accepting in the face of what passes from us

From Rage to Forgiveness (Part Twenty-four)

After doing something good, let go 

and await the next opportunity.

Upon doing something good, some people pause and await the acclaim. If it comes in a sufficient amount, they’ll take on another such task. If the praise is insufficient or not forthcoming, they may deem such efforts a waste of energy and cease doing them.

Other people may not expect the acclaim to be immediate but will run a mental tally of the recognition they consider their due. Failing to receive the desired amount in a reasonable time frame, they too may cease such actions or decide to make the bargain terms more clear next time. 

Another group comprises those who do something good without any expectation of recognition. If it is forthcoming, they try to remain unaffected as they continue with their good actions.

The fourth group?

Not only do they not expect praise for their exemplary acts, they also prefer that others do not even know the good actions were theirs, so their good karmic retributions will not be enjoyed, and so wasted, in the form of acclaim.