Can the power of love stop an elephant?
As I explain in my “About” page for Metta Refuge, it’s been my experience that metta practice can not only transform our minds, but also bless and heal our own and others’ bodies. I’ve also seen metta have remarkable effects on sick pets and injured wild animals. Animals just seem to respond naturally to genuine, radiating love. Radiant love can also be a protection to ourselves and to others. In street encounters and in ministerial work I’ve done in prisons, I’ve seen genuine love and compassion avert imminent violence and calm dangerous individuals. And more than a few times, I‘ve been protected from an attacking dog by stopping and embracing it with love and empathy. Of course, avoiding dangerous situations is the wisest course! But if we’ve been developing genuine love and compassion in our hearts, my experience is loving-kindness is a great aid and comfort in bad situations. I guess this is why I’ve always had a special affection for the story of the Buddha and the raging elephant
