Sri Ramana's humour

[Guest guest]

When Sri Ramana was in His last illness, lots of devotees brought

medicine. Everyone was much disturbed and worried about Sri Ramanas

health - but not so He himself. Sometimes He consoled the devotees by

making jokes about His bodily weakness.

 

"The same evening, the Ayurvedic Doctor Ramachandra Rao came here from

Bangalore. Noticing his arrival at the hall, Bhagavan said to people

near him: 'Look! Ramachandra Rao is coming in. He must have brought

some medicines with him. When I see him I do not feel that I am

seeing a human being. I feel that I am seeing the medicines

themselves."

In the meanwhile Ramachandra Rao came in, placed before Bhagavan a big

bottle of medicine and prostrated. No sooner did he get up, than

Bhagavan said with a laugh: 'Did I not tell you all that the medicine

itself has arrived?'

With folded hands and in a prayerful attitude, Ramachandra Rao said:

'It is not a medicine, Bhagavan. It is an Arishtam (a distilled

mixture, a tonic). Bhagavan's body is very much emaciated. If you

take this tonic it will give you strength. Please use it.'

Bhagavan said: 'That is all right. If, by taking this, a person gets

sturdy, why do you not try it on yourself? See how lean and weak you

are! First take it yourself and become sturdy and strong. After that

we shall think of my case.'

Turning toward us, he jocularly said: 'See how he is! He is not able

to improve his own health, and he says he will improve mine!'

The doctor could not say anything and so went away to the office.

The next day Bhagavan arranged to give an ounce of the Arishta (tonic)

to each and everyone of those sitting near him and, taking one ounce

himself, said: 'Look. That Ramachandra Rao is leaner than any one of

us. So give him one more ounce. We will see if he becomes stout

thereby."

 

(Nagamma: Letters from Sri Ramanasramam, entry 12th May, 1949, p. 416)