PEACEMAKER

THE PEACEMAKER

  IT is reported that two kingdoms were on the verge of war for the

possession of a certain embankment which was disputed by them. And the

Buddha seeing the kings and their armies ready to fight, requested

them to tell him the cause of their quarrels. Having heard the

complaints on both sides, he said:

  "I understand that the embankment has value for some of your people;

has it any intrinsic value aside from its service to your men?"

  "It has no intrinsic value whatever was the reply.

  The Tathagata continued: "Now when you go to battle is it not sure

that many of your men will be slain and that you yourselves, O

kings, are liable to lose your lives?" And they said: "It is sure that

many will be slain and our own lives be jeopardized."

  "The blood of men, however," said Buddha, "has it less intrinsic

value than a mound of earth?" "No," the kings said, "The lives of

men and above all the lives of kings, are priceless." Then the

Tathagata concluded: care you going to stake that which is priceless

against that which has no intrinsic value whatever?-The wrath of the

two monarchs abated, and they came to a peaceable agreement.