Chapter (অধ্যায়): I-XXIX (From the Diary of a Disciple) PAGE-206Page: 206 of 526
After walking a while, Swamiji, washing his face, entered his room with the disciple in company and read the article on Art in the Enclyclopaedia Britannica for some time. After finishing it, he began to make fun with the disciple, caricaturing the words and accents of East Bengal.
XVII
[Place: Belur Math. Year: 1901.]
Swamiji has just returned from East Bengal and Assam a few days back. He is ill, and his feet have swollen. Coming to the Math, the disciple went upstairs and prostrated himself at Swamiji's feet. In spite of his ill health, Swamiji wore his usual smiling face and affectionate look.
Disciple: How are you, Swamiji?
Swamiji: What shall I speak of my health, my son? The body is getting unfit for work day by day. It has been born on the soil of Bengal, and some disease or other is always overtaking it. The physique of this country is not at all good. If you want to do some strenuous work, it cannot bear the strain. But the few days that the body lasts, I will work for you. I shall die in harness.
Disciple: If you give up work for some time and take rest, then you will be all right. Your life means good to the world.
Swamiji: Am I able to sit quiet, my son! Two or three days before Shri Ramakrishna's passing away, She whom he used to call "Kali" entered this body. It is She who takes me here and there and makes me work, without letting me remain quiet or allowing me to look to my personal comforts.
Disciple: Are you speaking metaphorically ?
Swamiji: Oh, no; two or three days before his leaving the body, he called me to his side one day, and asking me