“”Ravikant Rawal stood up, and Baba remarked, "You must have remained awake all night, looking forward to an opportunity to finish your almost-endless story [of the four clever thieves]!"
Rawal said, "No, Baba, I could not sleep because I felt you were present near me all the time."
On Baba's asking, those who were indisposed stood up.
“”Baba told them, "Those who are used to homeopathy should take medicine from Padri; those used to taking allopathic treatment should see Nilu. Look after your health well so that you can derive the fullest possible benefit from this sahavas."
The atmosphere was full of merriment when the topic of Madon's "Wonder Balm" came up. Krishnaji declared, "My cold disappeared completely with his ointment."
“”Baba joked, "Remarkable! It increases the cold of those who only have a slight one, and reduces that of those who have it severely!"
Above the laughter, Madon declared, unaffected, "It is the only medicine for all diseases!"
Ravikant interjected, "There was a little pain in my knees, but when I used Madon's balm it began aching like hell!"
“”"That's why it is named wonderful ," Baba teased.
More laughter erupted as others added their comments. Some favored the ointment, and some did not.
“”Baba joked, "It is a wonderful medicine with a wonderful name. The result is wonderful for every disease! It would make a man depart this life in 25 hours when he would have lived for 25 years!"
Baba then explained:
“”I am very fond of having fun, but when I become serious I remain serious. With me, it is so from eternity. On gaining Realization, I gave up everything in eternity except my sense of humor. I have discoursed on this before. This is called the Avatar's leela [game or play]. In that discourse, I have also spoken about other matters such as Christ's crucifixion. I am being crucified every second; but my merry, cheerful nature helps me bear the untold suffering.
While joking with me outwardly, have reverence for me in your heart. If you have no inner reverence, it is better you remain miles away from me. I am like fire! Fire dispels the cold and cooks your food. But if you try to play with it, it will burn you to ashes. If inwardly you feel that I am the Avatar and the Highest of the High, then your outward behavior will not affect that understanding. But if you have no inner understanding of the sort, then it is no use your expressing your love and reverence for me outwardly.
