The king Alexander realized on his deathbed that his conquests, wealth, and power meant nothing. His three wishes were to teach lessons: doctors cannot save everyone from death, riches cannot be taken after death, and one comes into this world and leaves empty-handed.

1. A Thought-Provoking Story
1

2. On his
deathbed, a
monarch
realizes crucial
lessons about
life.
2

3. After conquering
many kingdoms,
the great Greek
king Alexander was
returning home
when he fell
seriously ill.
Nothing his
generals did could
cure him.
3

4. 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.
4

5. All he wanted then was to go
home, see his mother’s face
and bid her a fond farewell
5

6. 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.”
6

7. With tears
flowing down
their cheeks,
all his men
could do was
nod.
7

8. “My first desire is that my physicians
alone must carry my coffin,”
the king said.
8

9. 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.”
9

10. Quite exhausted by then,
he said softly:
“Finally, after I’m gone, let both my
hands dangle out of my coffin.”
Hand
10

11. The people who had gathered around the
king wondered about his strange
requests. But no one dared ask about the
rational behind them.
11

12. 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?”
12

13. 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.”
13

14. “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.” 14

15. “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.”
15

16. “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.
16

17. 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
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