Life is more valuable than water
Water scarcity is often seen as a modern problem, especially in big cities.
People think that we are only now facing water shortages. But this is not true. Water problems have always existed. Even thousands of years ago, people fought over water.
Over time, Human greed, Jealousy, and Pride have made this problem worse. But there is one story from the time of Buddha that shows us how to deal with such issues.
This story is about two kingdoms, their fight over a river, and how Buddha solved the problem with wisdom.
What India Looked Like in Buddha’s Time
About 2500 years ago, India was not one country like today. Instead, it was made up of many kingdoms. Two of these were the Sakya kingdom and the Koliya kingdom. Both were very close to each other, near today’s India–Nepal border.
Between these kingdoms flowed the Rohini River. This river was very important. People drank its water, used it for farming, and depended on it for their daily needs.
The river acted like a natural border between the two kingdoms.
For many years, the Sakya and Koliya people lived peacefully. But one year, things changed.
Fact Note about Rohini River:
The Rohini River starts in the Lumbini region of Nepal and flows into Uttar Pradesh, India. Near Gorakhpur, it joins the Rapti River, which later meets the Ghaghara, a river that finally flows into the holy Ganga.
When Neighbors Became Enemies
One year, there was very little rain. The water in the Rohini River became less and less. This created a big problem.
Farmers in both kingdoms needed water for their crops, especially rice, which was their main food. To save water, farmers began building small dams on their side of the river. Each side wanted to keep more water for itself.
At first, people only shouted and argued. But soon, the fights became serious. People started hurting each other.
The situation grew so bad that soldiers from both kingdoms had to come. Everyone feared that a war would soon begin.
Buddha Steps In
When Buddha heard about this conflict, he decided to step in. He could not see people fighting and suffering.
Buddha had a special connection with both sides. He was born in the Sakya kingdom, but his mother and wife were from the Koliya kingdom. So, he loved both sides equally.
He went to the kings, officers, and farmers to understand the real issue. He saw that the main problem was not the river itself but the shortage of water and the greed that followed it.
Buddha’s Message
Buddha gathered the rulers and people of both kingdoms and gave them a powerful message:
“Life is more valuable than water.”
He explained that fighting over water was foolish. If war broke out, many lives would be lost. What use would water be if there were no people left to drink it?
Buddha also said that anger and pride had made the situation worse. If people had stayed calm and worked together, there would have been no need for fights.
He reminded them that problems can be solved only when people talk, listen, and help each other.
Buddha’s Solution
After calming both sides, Buddha suggested a fair solution. He asked the rulers to share the river water equally. He told the farmers to cooperate with each other instead of competing.
Because Buddha was respected by everyone, his words carried weight. Both sides agreed to his idea. The dams were removed, and water was shared fairly.
Peace returned. The Sakya and Koliya people, who were once ready to fight, now worked together. A possible war was stopped, and harmony was restored.
The Moral of the Story
This story teaches us a very simple but powerful lesson:
Fighting never solves problems.
Working together always brings peace.
Buddha showed that greed and anger make small problems worse. But kindness, patience, and cooperation can solve even the biggest conflicts.
Why This Story Matters Today
Now let’s think about today’s world. Even in modern times, water is a big problem. Many countries fight over rivers. Even inside one country, states and cities argue over how to share water.
Instead of solving the problem, leaders sometimes make people angry at each other. This only makes things worse. People forget that the real issue is water shortage, not each other.
This is exactly what happened in Buddha’s time. The people were not angry because they hated each other. They were angry because there was less water. But greed and pride turned neighbors into enemies.
Buddha’s Lesson for Us
*Buddha’s wisdom is still relevant today:
* Stay calm in times of crisis.
*Do not let anger or pride control you.
*Share resources fairly.
*Talk and cooperate instead of fighting.
*Buddha’s message came from real-life experiences, not just ideas. He always wanted people to live happily and peacefully.
If we follow his advice, we can handle water problems and many other issues in today’s world.
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The story of the Rohini River dispute shows that water scarcity is not just about nature or drought. It is also about human behavior — greed, selfishness, and anger.
Buddha taught us that life is more important than water. If we work together with peace and kindness, there is always enough for everyone.
Even today, his lesson shines like a guiding light. Whenever we face conflicts, whether about water or anything else, we should remember Buddha’s words:
“Life is more valuable than water.”
By choosing peace over fighting, we can make the world a better place for all.