The Four Wives of Every Person: A Lesson from Gautam Buddha
Understanding Gautam Buddha's Teachings
Gautam Buddha is a figure known to many, with millions following his teachings. Some even regard him as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Throughout his life, he adhered to the principles of truth and non-violence, guiding numerous individuals from darkness to enlightenment. His words and philosophies resonate deeply with people. Buddha once stated that every individual has four wives, with the fourth one remaining by their side until death. Today, we will explore the context and significance of this statement.
The Story of the Four Wives
Buddha narrated an intriguing story that is referenced in the early teachings of the 32 Agama Sutras. The tale goes as follows: there was once a man with four wives, living happily with them. In ancient Indian society, it was common for a man to have multiple wives. However, this man fell gravely ill and realized that his time was limited.
Understanding that death was imminent, he called each of his wives to him. To the first wife, he expressed his love and asked if she would accompany him to the afterlife. She replied that while she loved him dearly, she could not join him, as their paths would diverge after his death.
Next, he approached his second wife, asking her to join him. She declined, stating that she was too entangled in her domestic life to accompany him. When he asked his third wife, she too refused, saying that since the first two wives had declined, she could not go either.
Feeling despondent after hearing the responses of his first three wives, he hesitated to call his fourth wife, whom he had not loved as much and had treated more like a servant. He assumed she would also refuse. However, when he asked her, she surprised him by agreeing to go with him, stating her unwavering commitment to stay by his side until the end.
The Meaning Behind the Wives
Concluding the story, Buddha explained its deeper meaning. He stated that every person has four 'wives' or aspects in life, each representing something significant. The fourth aspect is the only one that remains with you until the end.
The first 'wife' symbolizes your body. No matter how much you care for it, it will ultimately abandon you at the time of death. The second 'wife' represents your fortune, which, despite being part of your life, does not accompany you after death. The third 'wife' signifies your relationships with family and friends, who are only with you as long as you are alive.
The fourth 'wife' embodies your actions or karma. The deeds you perform in life follow you beyond death, determining your fate in future lives and guiding you towards heaven or hell.