The Flame That Cannot Be Extinguished by Fire

In a small alley in Saigon, there stood an old house divided among three families. The walls were peeling, and the wooden stairs creaked with every step, yet the atmosphere inside was strangely warm. In the late afternoon, as pale golden sunlight filtered through the old window frames, the aroma of cooking rice drifted from the tiny kitchen, mingling with the lively laughter of children.

This house was home to three households: Brother Hai on the ground floor, Sister Ba on the first floor, and Uncle Bon on the top floor. They had lived together for many years, sharing every small space, including one source of electricity and water. Life was peaceful until the monthly bills arrived.

One evening, while all three families gathered for tea, Sister Ba suddenly spoke up. She asked why the electricity bill was so high that month, suggesting her family used very little and wondering if Uncle Bon’s air conditioner was the cause.

Uncle Bon blushed slightly at this accusation. He defended himself, stating he only used a fan, and turned the question toward Brother Hai, asking if his television being on all day was responsible.

Brother Hai remained silent, his hand trembling slightly as he held his teacup. He knew his large family used more lights for studying at night, but he did not wish to start a conflict. He thought to himself, "Is it worth losing harmony over just a few thousand dong?"

Sister Ba continued, raising her voice to suggest installing separate meters for fairness, as she did not want to be disadvantaged. Uncle Bon nodded in agreement, insisting that whoever used more should pay more.

Brother Hai sighed and set down his cup. Looking at his neighbors, he said softly, "Let me cover the entire cost of electricity and water for this month. My family is large, so perhaps we do use more. Living together, our harmony is the most precious thing."

Sister Ba and Uncle Bon looked at each other in surprise. Sister Ba started to speak but stopped herself. Uncle Bon lowered his head, feeling ashamed.

From then on, whenever the bills came, Brother Hai quietly bore the majority of the expense. He never complained or kept score. Occasionally, he even bought extra fruit and sweets for everyone to share. The small house became happier than ever before. Children played joyfully, and adults helped one another in peace.

One afternoon, as Brother Hai watered plants in the yard, Sister Ba approached him. She apologized for her pettiness, acknowledging that he was truly a good person.

Brother Hai smiled gently. He replied that living together, their bond of affection mattered most. Material things could be earned again, but the joyful atmosphere within the home could not be bought with money.

Uncle Bon heard this and came down from upstairs. He agreed with Brother Hai and offered his own apology, promising to share more responsibilities from now on.

That small house became the warmest place in the alley. Everyone understood that harmony is not about absolute fairness, but about compassion and sacrifice for one another.

The Meaning of the Story

This story illustrates the Buddha's teaching in the Dhammapada: "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal." In daily life, minor material conflicts can escalate into deep resentment if we do not know how to yield and make sacrifices. Only love, and the willingness to accept personal loss for the common good, can dissolve conflict and bring true peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of joy and love within each family and small community.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang