The Taming of Nalagiri

Devadatta, the Buddha's cousin, was consumed by jealousy and ambition, wanting to take over the monastic order. After several failed assassination attempts, he hatched a vicious plot in the city of Rajagaha.

He bribed the royal elephant keepers to get Nalagiri, a notoriously fierce and aggressive elephant, completely drunk on cheap liquor. They released the enraged beast onto the narrow street just as the Buddha and his monks were walking on their daily alms round.

Nalagiri charged down the street, trumpeting wildly, destroying carts, and sending people fleeing in sheer terror. The monks begged the Buddha to retreat, but the Buddha continued walking calmly.

As the massive, raging elephant bore down on him, ready to trample him to death, the Buddha stopped and radiated an overwhelming wave of Metta (pure, unconditional loving-kindness) directly toward the animal.

The physical force of the Buddha's boundless compassion hit the elephant like a physical wall. Nalagiri suddenly stopped his charge, his anger melting away. He lowered his trunk, walked gently to the Buddha, and knelt down in the dust at his feet.

The Buddha gently stroked the elephant's forehead, telling him to abandon violence and anger. The city watched in awe as the once-murderous beast walked peacefully back to his stable, completely tamed by the power of love.