TO CATCH A PIG

 
Once Gulmai, Adi and Sarosh were expected at Satara for a visit. Baba told Sidhu that the instant they arrived he should immediately send Adi to him. They came late in the evening, and, as soon as Sidhu saw Adi, he delivered Baba's message. But Adi was hungry and, instead of going to Baba, he sat down to eat. At that moment, Baba appeared and blamed Sidhu.

Sidhu insisted he had given Adi the message, so Baba retorted, "Why didn't you catch the pig and bring him to me?"

While Baba was reprimanding Sidhu, Adi calmly continued his meal. Turning to him, Baba asked, "Why are you eating like a pig?"

Without replying, Adi went on eating.

Baba ordered, "Throw your plate away."

Adi did it.

"Smash it."

This too Adi did.

Baba then asked, "Why did you break the plate?"

"You told me to," Adi snapped.

"When you're obeying me now, why didn't you obey in the beginning and come to me at once?"

"Forgive me, I was so hungry," Adi said. "I was starving!"

Baba broke into a smile and gestured to Adi to finish his meal.