From
My days with Baba
by Ac. Sarveshvarananda Avt.

STRONG AS THUNDER – TENDER AS A FLOWER BUD

It was impossible to evade Bábá’s antaryámitva (stern mood). Suddenly, Bábá called me to His room. Immediately I ran to Him, and expecting the worst, came crashing through the door. I found Bábá simply sifting, an embodiment of love, eagerly waiting for me. He beckoned me with a flood of affection, “Come, my son, come to me. I know that a hurricane of stress has passed over you the whole day. You had to withstand it all. The truth is, my son, that the bigger the tree, the greater the impact of the storm. Similarly, greater responsibility demands greater alertness and efficiency. I am generally a bit stricter with those whom I want to groom for greater responsibility in the future. And that I do for their own good. Do you understand, my little boy?” “Besides,” He continued, “do you think I get pleasure in being so harsh? No, it gives me pain, my child. But mind, I am carrying a heavy burden of responsibility — occasionally I need to be extremely stern to you, but that is simply an outer show in the interest of my moral obligation. Now, come closer and sit by me, my little boy.”

All the agonies, grievances and depression weighing so heavily on my heart vanished completely. The tears that did not come even in the moment of my utter dejection now flowed down my cheeks. I got a new lease on life, vibrating with inspiration, zeal and motivation. My mind shone with perfect bliss, and my energy came rushing back.