Page 14 - Applied Buddhism

When water is available free
or at very low rate, there
would be rampant wastage
by consumers, which would
Human
be against the principle of
Rights conservation of water. On the

other hand, we are against
to Water the over-profiteering of water

to fulfill the greed of certain
quarters.

Let me begin with a story. During the time of the Buddha there
lived two clans, the Sakyans and the Koliyans, along both sides of
the river Rohini. These two clans were related through marriage.
They jointly put up a dam along the river to collect water for their
agricultural use. Once, there was a drought and there was not
enough water to be diverted to the farms on both sides of the river.
Each clan wanted all the water for themselves. Eventually they
were prepared to go to war for the water. When the armies from
both sides gathered, the Buddha appeared at the scene.

The Buddha asked the warring parties, “Which is more
valuable, water or blood?” Both agreed that blood is more valuable.
The Buddha then admonished them, “why then are you prepared
to lose something more valuable over something less valuable?”
Eventually both sides agreed to drop their weapons and settle for an

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