Evolution of Love 2

DO PERFECT MASTERS SUFFER PAIN?

Sometime after Ramakrishna hurt his arm, Tarak came to Dakshineswar. He brought prasad, holy clay, some holy dust, and a rosary from Vrindaban for the Master.

When he noticed the bandage on the Master's arm, he asked, "What happened to your arm?"
The Master replied: "I was going to take a look at the moon, when my feet tripped over a low railing and my arm was broken. The suffering has not stopped."
"Is it a dislocation or a fracture?" Tarak asked.
"I don't know," said the Master. "These people have simply bandaged my hand. I like to chant the Mother's name with my mind at ease — but just see the trouble now. They won't even let me undo the bandage. Is it possible to call on the Mother in such a painful state?
Sometimes I think, what nonsense this bandage is! Let me break all these bonds and merge in the Divine. Then again I think, no, this is just another aspect of the divine play. There is also some joy in this."
Tarak told the Master, "By your mere wish you can be cured."
“What!" exclaimed the Master. "Can I cure myself by only a wish?"
Then he paused a moment and added: "No. Suffering from this affliction is good, for those who come here with desires will see the condition I am in and will go away. They won't bother me." Then he said, "Mother, you played a clever trick." At that he started to sing. Soon he merged into samadhi...