God lived with them

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Swami Adbhutananda

It is amazing how Sri Ramakrishna used small things to teach his disciples. One day after the midday meal, the Master asked Rakhal to prepare some betel- rolls. Rakhal replied that he did not know how to make betel-rolls. " How strange", said the Master. " Does one have to be trained as an apprentice to learn to make betel-rolls? Go and prepare some and bring them here." Rakhal did not make a move. This annoyed Latu. He told Rakhal: " What is the matter with you? Won't you do what he says? And you are arguing with him!You are not behaving properly!"

Rakhal blurted out: " If you think that is so, why don't you go and do it yourself? 

The Master enjoyed the commotion and called his nephew Ramlal: Then the Master added," Well, Ramlal, tell me who is the greater devotee, Rakhal or Latu?" Ramlal said," I think Rakhal is the greater of the two." This remark threw Latu into a fit of rage and he stammered out." Ah!What a verdict! He disobeyed the Master and yet he is a greater devotee!" The Master said you are Ramlal. You see Rakhal is smiling and talking. His devotion is higher. Latu is terribly angry. A real devotee - can he show anger before the Lord? Anger is satanic. Anger makes love and devotion take wing."

Latu was filled with shame and pique, tears came to his eyes. He said to the Master: " I will never again be angry before you. please forgive me."