Four Wives Club

In ancient times, there was a rich merchant who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most, 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 is very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his friends. However, the merchant is 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 tide him through difficult times. Now, the merchant's first wife was a very loyal partner and has 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 4 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 wife.

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 4th 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.

3. Our 3rd wife represents our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.

2. The 2nd 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 1st wife is in fact our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material, wealth and sensual pleasure; but in truth our real self.

The true inner you, which never disappears is your "soul".