There was a rich merchant who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most, adorning her with rich robes and treating her to delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved his third wife very much and was proud of her, always wanting to show her off. Yet, he constantly feared she might leave him for another.
He loved his second wife as well. She was considerate, patient, and his confidante. Whenever he faced problems, he turned to her, and she always helped him through difficult times.
His first wife was a loyal partner who contributed greatly to his wealth, business, and household. However, the merchant did not love her and hardly noticed her, though she loved him deeply.
One day, the merchant fell ill and knew he was dying. Reflecting on his luxurious life, he lamented, "I have four wives now, but I'll die alone. How lonely I'll be!"
He asked his fourth wife, "I loved you most and gave you everything. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me?" "No way!" she replied, walking away without another word.
The answer cut like a knife. He then asked the third wife, "I've loved you all my life. Will you follow me?" "No!" she said. "Life is good here. I'll remarry when you die." His heart sank.
He asked the second wife, "You've always helped me. Will you follow me now?" "I'm sorry, I can't," she replied. "At most, I can only send you to your grave." The merchant was devastated.
Then a voice called out, "I'll go with you. I'll follow you wherever you go." It was his first wife. She was skinny, as if malnourished. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken better care of you when I could."
In truth, we all have four wives in our lives.
The fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish on it, it leaves us when we die.
The third wife is our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die, they all pass to others.
The second wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they are in life, the furthest they can accompany us is to the grave.
The first wife is our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure.
Guess what? It is the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's wise to cultivate and strengthen it now, rather than lamenting on our deathbed.