Conference paper
The Rohinī River Dispute and the Buddha's Peaceful Intervention: A Timeless Lesson in Conflict Resolution
Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar
Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Subharti School of Buddhist Studies (MGSSBS), RBBSU, Dehradun, India
Abstract
This paper presents a historical and ethical reflection on the Rohinī River dispute between the Sakya and Koliya clans and the Buddha's marvellous intervention. It was not a legend or story; it symbolized the Buddha's diplomacy, rooted in compassion, non-violence and rational teachings. References from canonical sources such as the Dhammapada, Sutta Nipāta and Jātaka literature demonstrate the enduring relevance of Dhamma as a framework for peacebuilding — personally, socially and globally.
1. Introduction: The Mahāsamaya Day and its deeper meaning
The Full Moon Day of June (Jeṭṭhā) is known as Mahāsamaya Day in Theravāda Buddhism. It marks a divine convergence of human and celestial beings in honour of the Buddha's teachings. At the core of this great gathering lies a powerful story: the Buddha's intervention in a near-war situation between two ancient clans, the Sakya and Koliya.
2. The Rohinī River conflict: from irrigation to impending war
The Rohinī River, a tiny boundary river between Kapilavatthu (of the Sakyas) and Koliya (of the Koliyans), had very low water levels during the Buddha's fifteenth Vassa. Both clans traditionally shared the water by damming it in turns, but as drought worsened the farmers argued over a fair share. Arguments turned into fights, and soldiers and ministers from both kingdoms were sent to war over a small amount of water.
3. The Buddha's intervention: ethical leadership from above
The Buddha appeared over the battlefield and stopped the fighting without force, asking a powerful question: "Which is more important, water or human life?" Reminding the kings that they were blood relatives, his wisdom penetrated the cloud of anger and pride, and both sides laid down their weapons.
4. The power of teachings: moral instruction through Jātaka tales
The Buddha expounded five Jātaka tales and one sutta, each with a moral lesson: the Rukkha Dhamma, Vattaka, Latukika, Pathavī Udaka and Phandana Jātakas, and the Attadaṇḍa Sutta (Sutta Nipāta).
5. Reconciliation and renunciation
As an expression of reconciliation, each clan offered 250 royal youths for ordination under the Buddha. These 500 princes went on retreat in the Mahāvana Forest, where the Buddha preached the Mahā-Kuṇāla Jātaka.
6. Contemporary relevance and conclusion
The dispute illustrates a remarkable model of non-violent diplomacy through empathy, dialogue, teaching and ethical appeal. As the Dhammapada (v. 5) reminds us: "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is an eternal law." The narrative of Rohinī offers wisdom still useful today as we work to create enduring peace.