Four Wives and One Life

Once upon a time, there was a handsome and powerful king who had four wives.

He loved the last one most. He adorned her with rich robes and baubles, treated her to the best delicacies and took great care of her.

The king was proud of his third wife's looks and talents, and was always showing her off to his friends. However, he was always afraid that she might run off with some other men.

Now, the second wife was very considerate and patient, In fact, she became the king's confidante and he would always turn to her whenever he faced any problem. She would then help him out or give him advice on matters concerning the kingdom.

Now, the king's first wife was a very loyal partner who had contributed greatly towards maintaining his wealth and businesses as well as taken good care of the royal household. She loved him deeply, too.

However, he did not love her and hardly took any notice of her.

One winter's night, the king fell ill. His condition worsened and he knew that he would die soon. He reflected on his luxurious life and said to himself: "Now I have four wives with me, but when I die, I will be all alone. How lonely I'll be then!"

Thus, he asked wife No. 4:"I have loved you the most, given you the finest clothes and jewellery, and showered you with care. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!" she replied, and walked away without saying another word. Her answer cut into hos heart like a sharp knife.

The sad king then asked wife No. 3: "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!" she replied. Life is good here! I will remarry after you are dead!" The king's heart turned cold and sank.

He then asked wife No. 2: "I've always turned to you and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" she replied. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of lightning and the king was devastated.

Then a soft, gentle voice said: "I will leave with you. I will follow you no matter where you go."

The king looked up and there was his first wife. Clad in simple clothes, she looked skinny and neglected.

The aggrieved king said: "I should have taken much better care of you when I could!"

Like the king, each of us has four wives too.

Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we spend to make it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Material wealth is like the third wife. When we die, we cannot take our possessions along with us.

Family and friends are like the second wife. No matter how close or dear they are to us when we are alive, the furthest they can stay by us is at the grave.

Our first wife is our soul - the only thing that follows us wherever we go.

Unfortunately, like the king, we often neglect it in our mindless pursuit of beauty, wealth, and sensual pleasures.

Perhaps it might be timely to cultivate and strengthen our soul now, rather than wait and lament on our deathbed.

Sent to Starmag by S.P. Chin