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The Buddha promoted peace and opposed war.
Once, King Virudhaka wanted to attack Kapilavastu. According to Indian
tradition, if an army encountered a monk, the war had to be halted immediately.
To protect his homeland, the Buddha sat quietly in the path of King Virudhaka’s
army. Since the army could not advance, the king got down from his carriage to
ask, “Buddha, the sun is scorching, so it is inadvisable to sit for so long in
the middle of the road. Why not sit under the lush trees where it is cooler?”
the Buddha replied, “The shade of my clan surpasses any other shade.” Touched
by the Buddha’s compassionate words, King Virudhaka ordered the army to
retreat.