"A Story Of Four Wives"
Once upon a time...there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich
robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave
her nothing but the best.
He also loved the third wife very much, and he was always
showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared
that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his second wife. She was his confidante and
was always kind, considerate, and patient with him. Whenever
the King faced a problem, he could confide in her to help
him get through the difficult times.
The King's first wife was a very loyal partner and had made
great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom.
However, he did not love the first wife and although she
loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One day, the King fell ill, and he knew his time was short.
He thought of his luxurious life and pondered, "I now have
four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.
Thus, he asked the fourth wife, "I have loved you the most,
endowed you with the finest clothing, and showered great
care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and
keep me company?" "Absolutely not!" replied the fourth wife,
and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut
like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked the third wife, "I have loved you
all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep
me company?" "No," replied the third wife. "Life is too
good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank
and turned cold.
He then asked the second wife, "I have always turned to you
for help, and you've always been there for me. When I die,
will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't
help you out this time," replied the second wife. "At the
very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer
came like a bolt of thunder, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out. "I'll leave with you and follow you
no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was
his first wife. She was so sad and thin, she looked
half-starved. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have
taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have four wives in our lives: Our fourth
wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we
lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.
Our third wife is our possessions, status, and wealth. When
we die, it will all go to others.
Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how
much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay
by us is up to the grave.
And our first wife is our soul, often neglected in pursuit
of wealth, power, and pleasures of the ego. However, our
soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.
So cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now! It IS your
greatest gift to offer the world.
