There was a rich Brahman, well advanced in years, who, unmindful
of the impermanence of earthly things and anticipating a long
life, had built himself a large house. 1
The Buddha wondered why a man so near to death had built a
mansion with so many apartments, and he sent Ānanda to the rich
Brahman to preach to him the four noble truths and the eightfold
path of salvation. 2
The Brahman showed Ānanda his house and explained to him the
purpose of its numerous chambers, but to the instruction of the
Buddha's teachings he gave no heed. 3
Ānanda said: "It is the habit of fools to say, 'I have children
and wealth.' He who says so is not even master of himself; how
can he claim possession of children, riches, and servants? Many
are the anxieties of the worldly, but they know nothing of the
changes of the future." 4
Scarcely had Ānanda left, when the old man was stricken with
apoplexy and fell dead. The Buddha said, for the instruction of
those who were ready to learn: "A fool, though he live in the
company of the wise, understands nothing of the true doctrine, as
a spoon tastes not the flavor of the soup. He thinks of himself
only, and unmindful of the advice of good counsellors is unable
to deliver himself." 5