Sri Ramakrishna's devotees often described him as Compassionate; he would show his compassion even to persons who did not ask for it and even without their knowledge. Let us reflect upon two such occasions.

A Brahmo devotee of Sri Ramakrishna used to invite him to an annual ceremony which he celebrated every year in his own residence. The gentleman had passed away, but his sons did not break the tradition.

On one occasion, Sri Ramakrishna carne with some of his followers to take part in the annual celebra¬tion with the sons in that particular house. The whole day is spent in singing, dancing and reciting from the scriptures. In the evening, the guests are entertained with dinner. But curiously, the persons supervising the din¬ner are selective, making arrangements for their own men and friends, but paying no heed to Sri Ramakrishna and his companions.

Rakhal (later Swami Brahmananda, the first president of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission) is only a boy at this time. He gets heated and says, "Come Sir, let's go away." Ramakrishna says with a smile, "Keep quiet! The carriage hire is three rupees and two annas. Who will pay that? Stubbornness won't get us anything. You haven't a penny, and you are making these empry threats! Besides, where shall we find food at this late hour of the night?"

At last the call comes. But they were asked to sit in an untidy place, and the person who was serving was of an uncouth appearance. Sri Ramakrishna took only half of a luchi with some sweets and got up to depart. But when the question of paying for the carriage was raised, the hosts gave less than the actual fee. However, the Ramakrishna group left without argument.

Sri Ramakrishna was telling this story to some of his devotees afterwards in a light mood as if it were a nice joke. But when he concluded, he suddenly became very grave and said, "They were immature youngsters who didn't know how to show respect to the deserving persons, but had I come back that day without taking anything at their place, it would have been inauspicious for that household."

Another occasion: It is morning time following the day of "Phalaharini Kali Puja." Throughout the whole pre¬vious night there were special rituals and also some community entertainment. Sri Ramakrishna sits surrounded by his devotees, having casual talks with them. But every now and then, he looks at the door anxiously, expecting something or somebody to come. At last, he expressed his concern, "Well, how is it that they have not yet sent the 'prasad' (ie. the food offered to the diety during worship)?" Now, it was customary that a portion of all sorts of items which were presented during worship would be sent to Sri Ramakrishna's room in a big container. So, the people understood he was worried about that.

Young Yogin is present here; he feels shy and wonders why Thakur should be concerned about such a paltry thing. Anyway, after a short while, an impatient Ramakrishna put on his sandals and went himself to inquire about the delay. Yogin, later Swami Yogananda of the Ramakrishna Order, was thinking, "However great the spirirual attainment of Thakur may be, still he is a professional priest, and he cannot as yet forsake his share of the offerings received by the deiry."

Sri Ramakrishna comes back and the prasad also follows him. After taking his seat, he looked straight at Yogin, "As you know, this arrangement of a huge quantiry of offer¬ings and their distribution to saints and needy people was made by Rani Rashmoni herself. But now some steal them, some sell them outside, and some feed them to bad elements. But this portion which comes into this room is consumed by really good and virruous people, and only this much contributes to the peace of her departed soul."