Big Enough to Laugh at Himself

At Kodaikanal, Swami was talking in Telugu to the students and a few invited guests.  Dr. Goldstein didn't understand Telugu but felt a bit uneasy as the gestures of Swami indicated that the topic of the talk was his plumpness.  Swami and the students were casting subtle glances at Dr. Goldstein and were smiling broadly.  At one point, Swami started to laugh joyously and Dr. Goldstein too joined in the laughter - although he was aware that the joke was about him.

Suddenly, Swami stopped laughing and asked very sternly in English, "Now, why are you laughing?"  Dr. Goldstein replied, "Swami I am happy because you are happy."

Swami turned to the students and told them, "See, this is true devotion.  Although he knew that the jokes were on him, he was happy, because I am happy.  All of you must develop this nonchalant attitude and become devotees like him."

Even jokes of Sai underline important teachings.

(From the book "Sai Humour")