In Keelung, Taiwan, there was a store called “Yu Yuan Hao,” which translates to “destiny’s blessing.” The owner, Mr. Lin, was known for his kindness. The local residents were primarily fishermen, relying on the sea for their livelihood.
One day, a fisherman caught a giant sea turtle and planned to sell its meat. Mr. Lin happened to pass by and saw the sea turtle surrounded by people. It was raising its neck, bowing to the people with tears in its eyes as if begging for help.
Compassionate release
Moved by pity, Mr. Lin spent considerable money to buy the sea turtle. He then had someone release it back into the ocean. To ensure its safety, he wrote “Yu Yuan Hao Fang Sheng” on the sea turtle’s shell, meaning “setting free brings destiny’s blessing.” He hoped that by doing so, anyone who caught it again would set it free after reading the message.
Having made the inscription, the sea turtle was released into the sea. Many people witnessed it floating and bowing to Mr. Lin in gratitude. Deeply moved by the sea turtle’s gesture, the community vowed to adopt a “three do not” policy: Do not catch, kill, or eat such turtles. This practice continues in their neighborhood to this day.
Sixteen years later
Mr. Lin’s second son was accepted into Taipei Commercial School. During a holiday, he took a boat ride home. On the return trip, the boat hit a reef and sank. Out of over 100 passengers, more than 90 perished.
Amidst the screams and cries for help, Mr. Lin’s son, although a capable swimmer, was overwhelmed by the waves and began to sink. Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted by something as large as a round table. To his astonishment, he found himself lying on the back of a giant sea turtle. Looking closer, he saw that the sea turtle’s mouth was as wide as a basin.
A miraculous rescue by the sea turtle
Initially terrified, fearing the sea turtle would eat him, he realized he had no strength left to escape. Then, he saw the words “Yu Yuan Hao Fang Sheng” on its back. Recognizing it as the sea turtle his father had saved, his fear turned into joy and relief. It had come to rescue him. Clinging to its shell, he chanted Buddhist mantras for protection.
The sea turtle swam steadily through the stormy waves, carrying him to shore. As he reached the shallows, Mr. Lin’s son jumped off and turned to see that it was still floating nearby. He clasped his hands together in thanks, and the sea turtle nodded, waved its flippers, and made a joyful sound before swimming away. The people on the shore rushed to congratulate him on his miraculous survival.
Divine protection for the virtuous
Out of the passengers, only about a dozen survived the shipwreck. It was later discovered that the survivors were those who were filial to their parents, virtuous women, and individuals known for their good deeds and charity. This incident seemed to affirm that divine beings protect the good-hearted and bless the descendants of those who are kind.
Translated by Elaine
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