A man once heard in a lecture that God dwells within everyone.  Thereafter he genuinely made an effort to see God within every human and indeed every creature.  As it often occurs, the poor man did not truly grasp the message in full.

One day a mad elephant came charging through the village in which the man lived.  The elephant driver warned all the villagers of the impending danger.  Soon everyone was in a safe place, except for one man.  This was the man who believed that God dwells within every living creature.  He refused to seek the shelter and safety of his house, and chose to remain outside.

Soon the mad elephant came charging towards the same street in which the man was standing.  Upon seeing the elephant the man thought, "This elephant is none other than God."  With outstretched arms he welcomed the beast.  The mad elephant trampled the man, leaving him with broken ribs and bones.

As soon as it was safe to do so, villagers came out of their homes to the man's assistance.  The elephant driver was amongst them.  He asked the injured man, "Why did you not get out of the way when I warned you?  Everyone else did."  The man replied, "I believe that God lives within everyone.  I saw God in your elephant."  The elephant driver replied, "Then, Sir, why is it that you paid no attention to me?  The same God who lives within the elephant lives within me, and that God was telling you to stay far away from the elephant."

See God within everyone, but realize at the same time that not everyone is beneficial for you.

Yours,
Didi Ji