“It is said that the Sakyans and the Koliyans dammed the waters of the Rohini River between Kapilavatthu and Koliya and cultivated the fields on both sides of the river. In the month of Jetthamula. the crops began to wilt, and the labourers employed by both cities assembled. Those of Koliya said: “lf the water is diverted to both sides of the river there will not be enough for both of us. As our crops will ripen with a single watering, let us have the water.” But the Sakyans replied: “After your granaries are full, we will not be able to face taking our valuables and with basket and bags in hand, going from door to door, begging from you. Our crops will ripen with a single watering, so let us have the water.”
“We will not give it to you.”
“And we will not let you have it.“
Talk grew bitter, one person struck another, the blow was returned, fighting broke out, and as they fought they cast aspersions upon the origin of the two royal families. The Koliyans labourers said: “Take your children and go where you belong. How can we be harmed by the elephants, horses, shields and weapons ofthose, who like dogs and jackals, have cohabited with their own sisters?”
The Sakyan labourers replied: “You lepers, take your children and go where you belong. How can we be harmed by the elephants, horses, shields and weapons of destitute outcasts who live upjujube trees like animals.”
Both groups went and reported the quarrel to the ministers who were in charge of the work, who in turn reported it to the royal households. The Sakyans prepared for battle, saying: “We will show the strength and power of those who have cohabited with their sisters.” The Koliyans prepared for battle, saying: “We will show the strength and power of those who live up jujube trees.”
As the Lord surveyed the world at dawn he saw his kinsmen and thought: “If I do not go, these men will destroy each other. It is my duty to go to them.” He passed through the air to where his kinsmen were gathered, and seated himself crossIegged in the air in the middle of the Rohini River. When they saw him, the Lord’s kinsmen threw down their weapons and worshipped him. Then the Lord said: “What is this quarrel about, great king?”
“We know not, reverend sir.”
“Then who would know?”
“The commander-in-chief of the army will know.”
When asked, the commander-in-chief suggested the Viceroy might know. Thus the Lord asked one after the other with none of them knowing the cause of the quarrel, until the labourers were asked. They replied: “The quarrel is about the water.”
Then the Lord said to the king: “What is the value of water, great king?’
“Very little, reverend sir.”
“What is the value of a warrior?”
“A warrior, reverend sir, is beyond price.”
Then the Lord said: “It is not right that for a little water you should kill warriors who are beyond price.” They were all silent. ‘Great kings, why do you act thus? Were | not here today, you would cause a river of blood to flow. Your actions are unworthy. You live in hatred, given to the five kinds of hatred. | live full of love. You live sick with passions. llive free from sickness. You live chasing after the five kinds of sense pleasures. I live in contentment.” – Dhammapada Atthakata