Left Behind

An ancient tale speaks of a quiet town where a wealthy man named Edward lived.  To the world, he had everything—men envied his success, and women sought his favor. 

One day, terrified of facing the end alone, Edward wished to spend his final days in a peaceful country town, and asked his wives if they would accompany him. As he lay on his sickbed, he fragilely reflected on his marriages.

* * *

Edward had always felt his marriage to Calista was fate—unarranged and undeniable. Sincere and loyal in every action, intention, and character, Calista obeyed and followed him wherever he went. Yet, taking her devotion for granted, Edward soon neglected her entirely.

Instead, Edward shifted his attention to Sahana, a long-time friend. Sahana was endlessly patient, always helping him out of his troubles and dilemmas. Yet unlike Calista, Sahana was private and independent, keeping her own hobbies and a rhythm rather than following Edward’s travels.

While chasing pleasure and status, Edward met Daria. Captivated by her beauty, he married her immediately, but actually she was all glitter and no gold. Still, Edward proudly showed her off at every gathering. Daria never hid her desire for wealth, reminding him constantly, “Life is too good here.”

Finally, Edward realized that no matter who he married, he could never forget Chione, a close, long-time neighbor. As though trapped in a habit he couldn’t break, he remained devoted to her even though Chione never appreciated all he offered her. Cold-hearted and unyielding, she lived entirely on her own terms, even indifferent to his deepest pain. 

* * *

On his sickbed, Edward naturally turned first to Chione—the wife he had loved most, granting her every desire. Sadly, Chione refused him flatly and walked away in silence.

Hoping Daria—the wife who had brought him such pride and status—would stay, Edward begged her to spend his remaining days with him. Daria didn’t hesitate: “Life goes on, and I am going to remarry.”

Devastated, Edward pleaded with Sahana, who had always stepped up swiftly in his time of need. Sahana softly replied, “I can’t. The most I can do is help you move there and stay a few days until you settle down. But that’s all.” 

Hopeless and preparing to die alone, Edward heard a voice. Calista—the wife he had ignored and almost forgotten—spoke without him even asking. Frail and emaciated, her voice remained soft yet resolute: “I will follow you wherever you go.” Gazing at the skinny frame he had neglected for so long,  Edward was filled with deep regret.

Can you imagine each of us having those four wives?

Chione refers to our physical body: No matter how much time, money, and care we spend pampering it, it cannot cross the threshold with us.

Daria represents wealth, possessions, and status: We spend our lives accumulating them, but the moment we leave this life, they instantly pass to others.

Sahana symbolizes family and friends: Regardless of how deeply they love us, the furthest they can walk by our side is to the funeral.

Calista means our mind and karma: Our actions, intentions, and character—what is truly left behind—are the only things that travel with us beyond life.

When life places us at the peak—filled with success, victory, and total satisfaction—let us remember that one day it will all be gone, and share our fortune with those who have less.

And in our darkest hours of hopelessness and frustration—when blindsided by unexpected circumstances or denied the rewards we truly earned—may we remember: a setback only becomes a failure if we let it consume us. Instead, let every trial refine us, turning every hardship into our own loyal Calista.

Editor’s Note: Adapted from the Buddhist “Parable of the Four Wives,” an allegory explaining what actually follows a person after death and what is left behind.