Putting the mad elephant into submission
All along, Devadatta had wanted to take over the Buddha's position as leader of the Sangha, and he had always insidiously planned to murder the Buddha.
One day, while the Buddha was leading his disciples on a round of alms on the street , a mad elephant came charging at the Buddha's procession. His disciples dispersed in fear to hide, and they implored the Buddha to run away to prevent being mauled by the elephant.
However, the Buddha said in composure:" Bikshus! Do not fear for me. Someone who has accomplished Buddhahood would not meet his death as a result of such an atrocious plot."
By this time, the elephant was already right next to him. It was really unbelievable when the elephant suddenly knelt on the ground before the Buddha as soon as it saw him.
The Buddha took the elephant into refuge with the Triple Gem at which moment tears gushed out of the elephant's eyes. This plot of Devadatta to have the mad elephant trod on the Buddha to kill him was a total failure.
