God lived with them

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Swami Adbhutananda

Sri Ramakrishna knew the tendencies of his disciples and would send them to different temples or spots in the temple garden of Dakshineswar to practise meditation. Ramlal told the following story:

One day at noon the Master sent Latu to one of the Shiva temples to meditate. Late afternoon came and Latu still had not appeared, so the Master sent me to see about him. When I entered the temple, I saw Latu sitting motionless, deep in meditation and bathed in perspiration.

When I told the Master what I had seen, he himself went to the temple, taking a fan with him. He asked me to bring a glass of water. When I entered, I saw the Master fanning Latu. Latu began to tremble. The Master said: " My boy, it is twilight. When will you set the lamps and light them?" At the sound of the Master's voice, Latu slowly began to regain consciousness. He opened his eyes and seemed puzzled to see the Master before him.

" You have perspired a great deal," the Master said. " Rest a bit more before you leave your seat."
Latu cried " What are you doing , sir!" With great affection the Master said: " No, my boy, it is not you I am serving, but the Lord Shiva inside you. He was uncomfortable in such unbearable heat. Did you know that He had entered you?"Latu replied: " No, I knew nothing. I was gazing at the lingam ( the image of Shiva ) and saw a wonderful light. I remember only that the light flooded the whole temple. After that I lost consciousness."