The Zen Elephant
Elephants are remarkably peaceful and tolerant animals – particularly the large bulls. In spite of this I am always alert when I am on foot around elephants, simply because of their immense size, speed and potential to do damage. So I was a little apprehensive on a recent walking safari when this huge bull elephant walked right up to our group while we were watching him.
However he clearly knew that we were present and yet he showed no aggression. He came to within a few metres of us and then proceeded to entertain us for half an hour by feeding on the highest leaves of the surrounding Ana Trees (Faidherbia albida).
I think that this contemplative zen elephant enjoyed our company and enjoyed sharing the collective unconscious, because the next day he found our camp and spent the afternoon strolling amongst us and between our tents.