The Master asked each pupil to speak about whatever was uppermost in his mind when it came to his turn.

One man said, " I was thinking that I would secure the future of my wife and children and devote the rest of my life to the service of God if I had a million dollars."

Another said, " I was thinking that I would have not wasted so much of my time on worldly pleasures if I had heard about you when I was a young man."

Another said, "'I was recalling your advice about the influence of habit on us and was thinking that I would have progressed much further in spiritual life if I could break my bad habits."

Another said, " I was thinking that if I could live my life over again ,I would avoid the mistakes I have made this time around."

The Teacher told them the story of a man in search of a house who was taken by his friend to see a house in ruins. The friend said, " If this house had a roof it would have been ideal home for you and your family. And if it had an extra wing it would have accommodated my family as well and we would have had such a wonderful time together."

Yes, agreed the friend, but neither you nor I can dwell in a house of ifs, however large a mansion it might be.