Parable of the 3 Wives

This is a story taught by Buddha

Long ago there was a wealthy man who lived happily with three wives.

He loved Wife # 1 the most – sympathizing with her when it was cold and worried over her when it was hot. He catered to her every wish and never did anything to hurt her feelings.

His love for Wife # 2 wasn’t as much, but because he had gone through a lot of trouble, and had even fought with others to win her, he kept her beside him all the time, and enjoyed her.

He visited Wife # 3 only when he was lonely and needed comfort from her.

Before long the wealthy man was bed-ridden with a terminal illness. He panicked as the shadow of death closed in on him minute by minute.

He called Wife #1 and confessed how lonely he felt and begged her to join him on his journey to the other world.

“Unlike other matters, I cannot join you on your journey to death.” Her harsh reply pushed him to the depths of despair.

Not being able to bear his loneliness any longer, the wealthy man suppressed his embarrassment and turned to Wife #2.

“Didn’t Wife #1, whom you loved and cared for so much, turn you down? I, too, want no part in this. You sought me on your own free will; it wasn’t I that asked you to marry me.” As he feared, Wife #2’s response was just as cold.

The man timidly tried pleading with Wife #3.

“I haven’t forgotten the kindness you have shown me; so I shall go with you to the graveyard. But from there on, please forgive me, but I won’t go any further,” was the reply from Wife #3. This is a well-known story from the ZOAGON sutra.

The man represents all human beings. Wife #1 represents our body. Wife #2 represents our possessions. Wife #3 represents our family and friends.

Nothing one has depended on in life, neither family, nor money, nor things, is of any help when it comes time to die. Stripped of everything, one must part this world alone without taking anything with us. Where are we going when we die?

In Buddhism this is called "The Crucial Matter of the Afterlife". To resolve this matter is the purpose of Buddha's teachings and when this matter is resolved one attains true happiness. This happiness is attained while we are alive.

If you listen to the teachings you can learn about this happiness and how to attain it.

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