One generally does not vent anger upon a stranger; during times of anguish and suffering one releases frustration and anger upon those one knows and loves. One evening a few devotees came to the monastery to meet Ramakrishnananda, but he was in the shrine. They overheard him talking with someone loudly in angry tones: “You have brought me here, an old man, and left me helpless. Are you testing my powers of patience and endurance? I will not go and beg hereafter for my sake or even for yours. If anything comes unasked, I will offer it to you and share the prasad. Or, I will bring sea sand for offering to you and I shall live upon that.” Later they realized that the swami was quarrelling with his beloved Master.
Swami Sharvananda recalled another touching incident. Once there was no food in the temple storeroom to offer Sri Ramakrishna at 4:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. the matter was brought to Ramakrishnananda, and it greatly upset him. He took it as a test from the Master. He did not become angry with the monks for not informing him beforehand; his ire and grievance were solely turned against the Master. He burst out: “You want to test me? I will eat sand and do Swamiji’s work here. Sirrah! You are testing me, I know. But you should also know my grim resolve. I would rather die and perish here than budge an inch from this place. Do your worst, if you will!” His face became ruddy and glowed in terrible anguish and fervour; he began to pace back and forth in the hall. It was a tense half hour. At 3:30 p.m. someone knocked at the front door. Mr. Kondiah Chetty, an old student of the swami, came with some flour, ghee, sugar candy, and dried fruits. He also offered five rupees as a donation. The swami burst out in childlike glee, bade the monks to bring two stoves, and made some nice preparations for the offering. At 4:00 p.m. the refreshment was offered to the Master as usual.