There is a beautiful, touching story concerning the Buddha. He had grown in years and in influence. He was followed by devoted crowds wherever he went. Thousands upon thousands-many of them rich nobleman, who had renounced their riches and their lives of comfort and ease- had jointed his Order and become wandering bhikkhus, cheerfully accepting the rigours of a homeless life.

Devadatta was a cousin and disciple of the Master, Infatuated with the lust for power, Devadatta wished to set himself up as the leader of the Order. But this would not happen so long as the Buddha continued to live. Devadatta secretly plotted to put an end to the Buddhas life.

Nalagiri was a fierce wild elephant, belonging to King Ajatasatru. The elehant was always kept in chains. Devadatta so arranged that when the Buddha passed by, Nalagiri would be let loose after him.

As was his custom, the Buddha, with several of the bhikkhus, passed along the road early in the morning. Nalagiri was let loose. Raising a veritable dust-storm, the manslayer charged after the band of docile bhikkhus. They were terrified, they scattered in all directions, fleeing from the enraged tusker. Alas! In the face of danger, they, like so many of us, forgot their oft-repeated vow, Buddham sharanam gachhami! I seek refuge in the Buddha!

Only a faithful few remained with the Master. They, too, were terrified but like true disciples, they considered their own life as of insignificant value compared to that of the Master. And they pleaded with him to run to some place of safety. Calm was the face of the Buddha, serene were his eyes, lit up as ever with the light of compassion. And to his disciples he said, Fear not my brethren! He who harmeth none, will be harmed by no one!

There was panic all along the roads. People clambered onto the roofs of houses on both the sided of the road. Death was aboard. The people felt intensely for the Buddha and the small number of bhikkhus who would not leave their beloved Master even in this moment of impending doom. From the roof tops the people gazed at the Buddha and exclaimed, What loveliness in his face! What light! What beauty! Yet will the elephant not spare even the Blessed One! and there were some who declared, What harm can this elephant, Nalagiri, do to him who is an elephant among men?

The atmosphere was charged with tension and apprehension. The Buddha was calm. And with infinite compassion in his lotus eyes, he looked at the steadily advancing elephant, which was almost upon him. An agonised cry went forth from the house-tops, May the Blessed One be safe from harm!

Call it a miracle, if you will! It was not a miracle, it was the magic of the Masters presence, of one who would harm no one in thought, word or deed! The elephant bowed down to the Master, then quietly got up! The Master stroked his forehead and spoke a gentle word or two of love. Nalagiri become a new elephant, tame and docile. Overwhelmed with joy and relief, they cried out, Wild elephants are tamed with bullets and blows. But the great elephant among men has tamed Nalagiri with a blessing and a smile!