How to avoid most arguments?
Once upon a time, the Silbaripuram kingdom experienced a severe summer. For all the animals in the forest, the only source of water was the Silbaripuzha (Silbari River).
One day, just as a lion came to drink water, a tiger also reached the riverbank. Both looked at each other and roared.
The lion said -
"I am the king of the forest. I am also the lord of this river. You may drink after I have finished."
The tiger growled -
"In all the forests of this land where there are no lions, we tigers are the kings. For centuries before you, tigers were the kings of this forest! Mine is a dynasty with a long tradition. You drink after I have finished, or we can drink together."
Hearing this, the lion roared in challenge.
"No matter what you say, a tiger is always a tiger, and a lion is truly a lion!"
Both became furious. It was certain that a fierce battle would take place. Immediately, birds, squirrels, and monkeys gathered on the branches of the trees to watch. The fox hid, eager to eat the flesh.
The tiger muttered -
"If I defeat him, it's not just the river water, but the kingship of this forest that awaits me."
At that moment, the lion grumbled -
"Oh, forest goddess, if I lose to this fat tiger, I will have to flee to another forest. Please protect me."
Both stood face to face. Strategies for attack flashed through their minds.
Just then, the shadow of an eagle circling low fell between them. Both looked up and were startled!
Then the lion said -
"Usually, eagles come only after strong animals fight and one dies, and the victorious animal leaves. What does it mean that it has come so early now?
It means that both of us, being equally powerful, will be killed quickly. Therefore, if we fight, the gain will be for the eagle."
At that moment, the tiger's ferocity lessened -
"That's right. There is a point in fighting for prey. This flowing water has no value. Why should we quarrel over such a trivial matter?"
Both were happy. They drank water together, quenched their thirst, and left the place.
The creatures in the trees, the fox, and the eagle in the sky disappeared into the forest, disappointed.
Moral of the story -
This also happens in family life. The sight of couples making life miserable by challenging each other over trivial matters like, "Am I greater?" or "Are you greater?" is common.
Moreover, parents and older children also behave like this towards each other. The elders say that patience has the effect of mutton soup; this should be practiced here. Conflict is not a solution to anything!
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