It happened once upon a time that two students of a spiritual path were walking through the wilderness. They were disciples of the same teacher, but one had taken the path of power and the other had taken the path of love.

As they walked, it happened that an enormous tiger emerged from the woods before them. When it saw them, it snarled menacingly, baring its cruel teeth, and began to advance in their direction.

“Have no fear, brother,” said the student of power. “I shall invoke the strength of the Almighty God, and His strong arm shall instantly make this beast as harmless as a kitten.”

“Brother,” replied the student of love, “instead, let us run away. If we can save ourselves, there is no need to bother Him with the small matter of our lives.”