Bhagavan's sense of humor

[Guest guest]

Ramana Maharshi had a great sense of humor. Once an elderly lady, a

relative of Bhagavan came and visited. Sri Ramana remembered that

when he was a boy, he was asked to help her make some delicacies

(Modakas). Bhagavan had refused because he would have had to change

his clothes for cooking and put on only a Kaupina (loin-cloth).Sri

Ramana, being a young shy boy, and not wanting to walk around the

house with a loin cloth on, was most reluctant. Even after being

scolded by his uncle (the lady's husband), Bhagavan was adamant and

refused to put on the Kaupina and cook.So the elderly lady when

reminded by Bhagavan of that incident, said with gentleness, "No

wonder that one destined for this high state could not do such humble

work in those days."Bhagavan remarked, "If I refused to wear the

Kaupina once, I am now made to pay the penalty by wearing it always!

>From the "Talks......" Page 387, 9th edition.

Harsha