In ancient times, there was a rich merchant who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies.
He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best. He also loved his third wife very much. He was very proud of her and always wanted to show
her off to his friends. However, the merchant was always in great fear that she might run away with some other men.
He too, loved his second wife. She was a very considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant’s confidante. Whenever the merchant faced
some problems, he always turned to his second wife and she would always help him out and help him through difficult times. Now, the merchant’s first wife
was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the
merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, “Now I have four
wives with me. But when I die, I’ll be alone. How lonely I’ll be!”
Thus, he asked the fourth wife, “I loved you 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?” “No way!” replied the fourth wife and she walked away without another word. Similar responses came from the third and second
wives.
Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go.” The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. Greatly grieved,
the merchant said, “I should have taken much better care of you while I could have!”
Actually, we each have four wives in our lives
4. The 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.
3. Our third wife represents our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.
2. The second wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they had been there for us when we’re alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to
the grave.
1. The first wife is, in fact, our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material, wealth and sensual pleasure. but in truth our real self.
