PureInsight | August 2, 2007
[PureInsight.org] Alexander was
a great king. On his way home from conquering many countries, he came
down with an illness. At that moment, his captured territories,
powerful army, sharp swords, and wealth all had no meaning to him. He
realized that death would soon arrive and he would be unable to return
to his homeland. He told his officers: "I will soon leave this world. I
have three final wishes. You need to carry out what I tell you." His
generals, in tears, agreed.
"My first wish is to have my physician bring my coffin home alone.
After a gasping for air, Alexander continued: "My second wish is
scatter the gold, silver, and gems from my treasure-house along the
path to the tomb when you ship my coffin to the grave." After wrapping
in a woolen blanket and resting for a while, he said: "My final wish it
to put my hands outside the coffin." People surrounding him all were
very curious, but no one dare to ask the reason. Alexander's most
favored general kissed his hand and asked: "My Majesty, We will follow
your instruction. But can you tell us why you want us to do it this
way?"
After taking a deep breath, Alexander said: "I want everyone understand
the three lessons I have learned. To let my physician carry my coffin
alone is to let people realize that a physician cannot really cure
people's illness. Especially when they face death, the physicians are
powerless. I hope people will learn to treasure their lives.
My second wish is to tell people not to be like me in pursuing wealth.
I spent my whole life pursuing wealth, but I was wasting my time most
of the time. My third wish to let people understand that I came to this
world in empty hands and I will leave this world also in empty hands."
he closed his eyes after finished talking and stopped breathing.
Translated from: http://xinsheng.net/xs/articles/gb/2007/1/8/39319.htm
