Once upon a time, while Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born of a brahmin family. On growing up he left his worldly home and took to the religious life, and in time became the leader of a company of five hundred anchorites, who all lived together in the Himalayas.

Amongst these anchorites was a headstrong and unteachable person named Indasamanagotta. He had a pet elephant. The Bodhisatta sent for him when he found this out, and asked if he really did keep a young elephant? Yes, the man said, he had an elephant which had lost its family. The Bodhisatta said, “Well! when elephants grow up they kill even those who foster them; so don’t keep it any longer.” “But I can’t live without him, my Teacher!” was the reply. “Oh, well,” said the Bodhisatta, “you’ll live to repent it.”

However he still reared the creature, and it grew to bigger size.

It happened once that the anchorites had all gone far afield to gather roots and fruits in the forest, and they were absent for several days. At the first breath of the south wind this elephant fell in a frenzy.

The Elephant thought, “Destruction to this hut! I’ll smash the water jar! I’ll overturn the stone bench! I’ll tear up the pallet! I’ll kill the hermit, and then off I’ll go!” So he ran into the jungle, and waited watching for their return.

The master came first, laden with food for his pet. As soon as he saw him, he hastened up, thinking all was well. Out rushed the elephant from the thicket, and seizing him in his trunk, dashed him to the ground, then with a blow on the head crushed the life out of him; and madly trumpeting, he scampered into the forest.

The other anchorites brought this news to the Bodhisatta. He said, “we should have no dealings with the bad.” and then he repeated these two verses.

Friendship with evil let the good eschew,

The good, who know what duty bids them do

They will work mischief, be it soon or late,

Even as the elephant his master slew.”

“But if a kindred spirit thou shalt see,

In virtue, wisdom, learning like to thee,

Choose such an one to be thy own true friend

Good friends and blessing go in company.”

In this way the Bodhisatta showed his band of anchorites that it is well to be docile and not obstinate. Then he performed Indasamanagotta’s obsequies, and cultivating the Excellences, came at last into Brahma’s heaven.