The Futility of Violence: A Story from the Life of Gautama Buddha

One day, a king named Ajatasattu decided to wage war against a neighboring kingdom. He wanted to consult the Buddha before battle, so he sent his minister to invite him to the palace. The minister went to where the Buddha was staying and found him surrounded by many monks and lay followers?listening to his sermon. The minister waited patiently until the Buddha finished his talk and delivered the king’s message.

The Buddha agreed to visit the king but said he would do so the next day. He also asked the minister to inform the king that he should practice kindness and generosity and not harm any living beings.

The next day, the Buddha set out for the palace with many monks. On the way, he had to pass through a street where a fierce elephant named Nalagiri was kept. Nalagiri was owned by Devadatta, a cousin of the Buddha who was jealous of him and wanted to kill him. Devadatta had heard that the Buddha was coming that way, so he devised a plan to use Nalagiri as a weapon. He gave Nalagiri some alcohol to make him drunk and angry and then ordered his keepers to let him loose on the street when they saw the Buddha approaching.

As the Buddha and his monks walked peacefully on the street, they saw Nalagiri charging towards them with his trunk raised and his eyes red with rage. The people on the road were terrified and ran away in all directions. Some of them shouted, “Run, run! The elephant will kill you!”

But the Buddha did not run away. He stood calmly in front of Nalagiri and radiated his loving-kindness towards him. He said softly, “Nalagiri, Nalagiri, I am your friend. Do not harm me or anyone else. We are all living beings who want to be happy and avoid suffering.”

As Nalagiri came closer, he felt the power of the Buddha’s compassion. He slowed down and lowered his trunk. He reached the Buddha and touched his feet with his trunk. Then he bowed his head and stood quietly beside him.

The people who witnessed this miracle were amazed and filled with admiration for the Buddha. They praised him for his courage and wisdom. They also realized the evil intention of Devadatta and condemned him for his wickedness.

The Buddha then continued his journey to the palace, where he met the king and taught him about the futility of war and the benefits of peace. He also taught him about the four noble truths and the eightfold path, leading to the end of suffering and attaining nirvana.