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 (betel is chewed after meals in India). 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!”
Latu’s angry words provoked Rakhal, who blurted out: “If you think that is so, why don’t you go and do it yourself? I won’t do it. I have never made a betel-roll in my life.” By this time Latu’s anger had reached a high pitch, and he went on saying many things inarticulately in his half-Bengali and half-Hindi language.
The Master enjoyed the commotion and called his nephew Ramlal: “Come and see the fun! Just see the fight between these two.” Then he added, “Well, Ramlal, tell me who is the greater devotee, Rakhal or Latu?” Ramlal understood the point and 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!” Latu’s fury made the Master laugh and he said: “You are right, Ramlal. Yes, Rakhal’s devotion ranks higher. Just see how easily he is smiling and talking.” Pointing to Latu he added: “And how terribly angry he is! A real devotee — can he show anger before the Lord? Anger is satanic. Anger makes love and devotion take wing.” Latu was cut to the quick. He was filled simultaneously with shame and pique, and tears came to his eyes. He said to the Master: “I will never again be angry before you. Please forgive me.”
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