The Buddha and the Elephant Nalagiri

The Buddha and the Elephant Nalagiri

Ajanta Caves,Gupta Period, 5th Century CE

           Buddha's cousin brother, Devadatta was jealous of him. He conspired with King Ajatshatru of Rajagraha to have Buddha trampled by a mad elephant when Buddha comes to Rajagraha.  They got the mad elephant Nalagiri drunk and let him go scott free on the lane where Buddha was coming. Nalagiri charged at the Buddha.  Unmoved, and ever smiling the Buddha gently patted Nalagiri. Overcome by Buddha's compassion and kindness, Nalagiri bowed and touched Buddha's feet. 

           Here although Buddha's head is missing, but we do see a dark hand gently caressing the huge elephant.  The people in their homes are awestruck by Buddha's power to overcome a mad elephant.  One person even folds his hands in reverence. 

           Problems are like the mad elephant. They come our ways. We just need to be detached and calm to tackle them. With compassion and kindness even our enemies can be won over. It is these two qualities of Buddhism which spread the religion from India to Japan. One doesn't need the sword to conquer; a beautiful smile is sufficient to disarm the mighty and the unruly.