z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 02.indd MK SJ+YS 4 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 25
FROM BIRTH TO PARIVRAJA
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Siddharth Gautama rose in his seat and said : “I oppose this resolution. War does not solve any question. Waging war will not serve our purpose. It will sow the seeds of another war. The slayer gets a slayer in his turn ; the conqueror gets one who conquers him ; a man who despoils is despoiled in his turn.”
Siddharth Gautama continued : “I feel that the Sangh should not be in haste to declare war on the Koliyas. Careful investigation should be made to ascertain who is the guilty party. I hear that our men have also been aggressors. If this be true, then it is obvious that we too are not free from blame.”
The Senapati replied : “Yes, our men were the aggressors. But it must not be forgotten that it was our turn to take the water first.”
Siddharth Gautama said : “This shows that we are not completely free from blame. I therefore propose that we elect two men from us and the Koliyas should be asked to elect two from them and the four should elect a fifth person and these should settle the dispute.”
The amendment moved by Siddharth Gautama was duly seconded. But the Senapati opposed the amendment, saying : “I am sure that this menace of the Koliyas will not end unless they are severely punished.”
The resolution and the amendment had therefore to be put to vote. The amendment moved by Siddharth Gautama was put first. It was declared lost by an overwhelming majority.
The Senapati next put his own resolution to vote. Siddharth Gautama again stood up to oppose it. “I beg the Sangh,” he said, “not to accept the resolution. The Sakyas and the Koliyas are close relations. It is unwise that they should destroy each other.”
The Senapati encountered the plea urged by Siddharth Gautama. He stressed that in war the Kshatriyas cannot make a distinction between relations and strangers. They must fight even against brothers
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