God lived with them

[shubha...@hotmail.com]

Swami Subodhananda

Subodhananda was among the first group of trustees of Belur Math appointed by Swamiji in 1901: later he was elected treasurer of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. His love for Swamiji was second only to his love for the Master. Swamiji also had great affection for him. Sometimes when Swamiji would become so serious that none of his brother disciples dared to approach him, it was left to Khoka Maharaj to go and interrupt his mood.

Subodhananda narrated the following incident:" One night Swamiji was reading a book while lying on his stomach. He was extremely serious. The dinner bell was rung, but he did not hear it. We were all waiting for him. When nobody dared to call him, Swami Brahmananda asked me to call Swamiji. I silently went to his room, looked at the page number, and abruptly closed the book. Swamiji said angrily : ' Khoka, why did you close my book? Now how shall I know where I was reading?" I immediately opened the book and showed him the exact place. Then I said :" Please come for supper. The food will be cold and all are waiting for you." He then came to the dining room and ate with us."