THE ELEPHANT NALAGIRI

The story of the elephant Nalagiri is a well-known one in Buddhist literature.

Devadatta, who was a cousin of the Buddha, lived in the town of Rajagaha. Despite his relation, he was not content with the treatment he received as a disciple of the Buddha, as he felt that he deserved special treatment. However, the Buddha treated everyone the same. This made Devadatta very angry and jealous. He plotted to kill the Buddha.

In the town, there was a deadly elephant name Nalagiri. Devadatta told the elephant keeper to get Nalagiri drunk on alcohol, and release her into the streets. 

At that time, the Buddha and his disciples were out collecting alms with their bowls.

The elephant ran out into the busy street. Everyone ran away, pointing and shouting, but the Buddha stood still. 

A frightened woman dropped her baby in the commotion, which fell right in the elephant’s path. The Buddha stood before Nalagiri and touched her forehead to get her to stop her rampage.

Nalagiri felt the Buddha’s power, and fell to her knees in front of him, humbled by the calm spirit of the Buddha.

The Buddha’s loving-kindness turned the elephant’s anger into calm respect. 

The story of Nalagiri is often cited as an example of the Buddha’s mastery over his own mind and the power of compassion to overcome even the most violent of beasts. It is also seen as a reminder of the importance of having control over one’s own mind and emotions in order to achieve true spiritual enlightenment.