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A Thought-Provoking Story

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On his deathbed, a

monarch realizes crucial lessons about

life.

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After conquering many kingdoms, the great Greek

king Alexander was returning home

when he fell seriously ill. Nothing his

generals did could cure him.

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With death staring him in the face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no value to him as he lay waiting to

breathe his last.

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All he wanted then was to go home, see his mother’s face and bid her a fond farewell

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But knowing that he would not have time to

reach his distant homeland, he

summoned his generals and told

them:“I will depart from this

world soon. I have three wishes which you must carry out

without fail.”

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With tears flowing down their cheeks, all his men

could do was nod.

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“My first desire is that my physicians alone must carry my coffin,”

the king said.

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After a long pause, the king continued, “When my coffin is being carried to the grave,

the path leading to the graveyard should be strewn with the gold, silver and precious stones

which I have in my treasury.”

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Quite exhausted by then, he said softly:

“Finally, after I’m gone, let both my hands dangle out of my coffin.”

Hand

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The people who had gathered around the king wondered about his strange

requests. But no one dared ask about the rational behind them.

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Alexander’s favorite general then kissed his hands and pressed them to his heart.

“I assure your highness that your wishes will be fulfilled.

But why?”

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At this the ailing monarch took a deep breath and said: “I would like the world to know the three

lessons I have just learnt.”

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“I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can cure every ailment.

Doctors cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life

for granted.”

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“Strewing gold, silver and other riches along

the path to the graveyard will serve to remind

everyone that I might have spent my life

accumulating riches, but I cannot even take a

piece of gold with me when I die.

So let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time

to chase wealth.”

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“As for the final wish to leave my hands dangling out of the coffin, I want people to know that I came empty-handed into this world and I will leave the

same way.”With these words, the king closed his eyes as

death conquered him.

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The End Reflection

• Life is uncertain but death is certain.

• I have to train and purify the mind.

• I have to let go of attachments, greed, hatred and delusion

With Metta,Bro. Oh Teik Bin