The Merchant & His Wives (inspirational)

[Guest guest]

THE MERCHANT & HIS WIVES

Once upon a time 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 the third wife very much. He was very proud of her and always wanted

to show her off to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear

that she might run away with some other man. He also, 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 tide him through difficult

times. Now, the merchant's first wife was a very loyal partner and loved him

deeply. She had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business

as well as taking care of the household. Sadly the merchant did not love the

first wife any more and although she cared for him the most, he always ignored

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. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the

merchant's heart. The sad merchant then asked the third wife, ‘I have loved

you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me

company?’ ‘No!’ replied the third wife. ‘Life is so good over here! I'm

going to remarry when you die!’ The merchant's heart sank and turned cold. He

then asked the second wife, ‘I always turned to you for help 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 but I can not help you out this time!’

replied the second wife. ‘At the very most, I can only send you to your

grave.’ The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was

devastated. Then a voice called out: ‘I'll leave with you beloved! I will

follow you no matter where you go. ‘The merchant looked up and there was his

first wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition.

Greatly grieved, the merchant said, ‘I should have taken much better care of

you while I could have! Oh God, what have I done?’

 

As our Beloved Swami is always reminding us......We too actually have four wives in our lives....

 

The fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in

making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our third wife? Our

possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others. 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. But our

first wife in fact is our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material

wealth and sensual pleasure.

 

It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it is a

good idea to cultivate and strengthen it NOW rather than lament when we are on

our death bed.Remain Blessed!- Author Anonymous

 

 

Duty is God, Work is Worship