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SEEK SALVATION DURING LIFE It is said there was an island where they elected a person to sit on the throne and rule over them for four years. Afterwards, on the expiration of this term, he was deported across the sea to an island jungle where he was eaten up by wild animals. Many kings enjoyed the throne in this manner and were afterwards enjoyed by wild animals. Now it so happened that a new king was put on the throne, one who severely disliked the horrible fate of his predecessors. While enjoying the throne, he seriously thought of his coming fate and devised means to avoid the calamity. He was the reigning king and his orders were carried out implicitly. So he ordered his ministers and Commander-in-Chief to accompany him on a visit to that island. There, he ordered the island to be cleared of wild animals, and that a big garden be planted, and a palace be built immediately for the use of deported kings in the future, and all the produce of the island be reserved for their use with sufficient staff of servants and watchmen. His word was law. The palace and garden were completed in three years and the island became like a paradise with beautiful gardens, lakes, and with a new, comfortable and luxurious palace. When the term of this king expired, the ministers came and informed him of the expiration of his term. The king left the throne gladly and was escorted to a the beautiful new palace. Unlike his predecessors who met a terrible fate in the end, this wise king, now free from the worries of the throne, enjoyed a luxurious princely life till his death. Here man is king. Infancy, childhood, youth and old age are four years of the term in which we are to mould our spiritual future and to secure a better and brighter life. Wise are those who --- in life --- do not forget the end and by means of meditation and devotion raise their souls to the highest heavens and obtain spiritual freedom permanently.
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