A very learned pandit who was well versed in the scriptures came to Shri Babaji Maharaj and said to him: “Maharaj! I have heard people everywhere sing your praises and therefore I have come to you!”
Shri Babaji Maharaj said: “Panditji, all praise must go to that One. If you are seeing Him being praised in this body of mine then it is all right; but if you are praising some existence other than His, then you are making a mistake.”
The Pandit continued: “Babaji, I will believe in God if only you can make this chaarpaayi–bed of ropes–say ‘Ram! Ram!’
Shri Babaji was amused and said: Panditji, it surprises me that your learning has led you to ask this question! But let me tell you that it is the chaarpaayi that is speaking, but you who are not listening!”
The Pandit asked with surprise: “But how can that be, Maharaj?”
Shri Babaji Maharaj said: “Listen! – If your soul, or your life were to leave your body, would you not become as inanimate as this bed –with two arms and two legs? Are you therefore not a chaarpaayi that is saying ‘Ram! Ram!’ Ye chaarpaayi hee to bol rahi hai Ram, Ram!
Shri Babaji Maharaj concluded with the words: “Panditji, every day you listen to this chaarpaayi, and yet you would desire to hear it speak!”
The Pandit was greatly astonished at the logic of Shri Babaji Maharaj and repented for his question.