Long ago, the region of Huangzhou endured years of devastating famine. Just as relief seemed within reach, a terrible plague swept through the city, plunging its people into even deeper misery. Sick and starving, they struggled desperately to survive.
In Chinese tradition, it is believed that before great calamities, compassionate beings — like Bodhisattvas — descend into the human world, hoping to awaken those who have lost their way and guide them back to virtue. One such story is still told from this dark chapter in Huangzhou’s history.
A mysterious maiden with a selfless offer
One day, the tranquil shores of West Lake stirred with commotion. A large boat had quietly appeared at the pier. Seated on board was a young woman of striking beauty and a calm demeanor. As curious onlookers gathered, the maiden stood and addressed them:
“If anyone is willing to pay a price to purchase me, I will follow him and serve in his household as a servant.”
Her words shocked the crowd. But what she said next left them even more astonished: Every coin she received would be used entirely to help the suffering people of Huangzhou.
An unexpected miracle
Word of her astonishing proposal spread like wildfire. Merchants, landowners, and curious townsfolk rushed to the lakeside, eager to catch a glimpse of the mysterious beauty. Moved by her words and captivated by her appearance, many competed to take her home.
Unable to agree, someone proposed a bizarre contest: Whoever could throw money and have it land directly on the maiden would win the right to claim her. The crowd agreed, and soon silver, copper, and even gold coins were flying through the air toward the boat.
But something remarkable happened. Not a single coin touched her. Every piece fell instead at her feet, forming a growing pile at the bow. It was as if an unseen force shielded her from being struck.
The onlookers fell silent. One by one, they gave up and stepped back. The young woman remained seated, serene and composed. With a graceful gesture of thanks, she gathered the coins and distributed them among the poor who had gathered nearby.
Compassion inspires compassion
News of the event spread quickly throughout Huangzhou. Inspired by the maiden’s selflessness, many of the city’s wealthy residents came forward to offer help. Donations poured in. The hungry were fed, the sick received care, and the heavy cloud of fear that had blanketed the city began to lift.
For the first time in years, the people felt a sense of hope. All of it had been set in motion by one young woman’s act of compassion — an act that rippled outward to change the fate of an entire city.
The truth revealed
Several days later, the boat returned to West Lake. The maiden reappeared, but this time something had changed. A radiant glow surrounded her, and her entire figure shimmered with divine light. It was then that the truth became clear: She was no ordinary woman.
With hands folded and a warm smile, she addressed the stunned crowd:
“I am Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. I came to this place to awaken the kindness in your hearts. Sympathy and mercy are the noblest of virtues. To help others is a sacred duty. To protect the weak is a responsibility that none should ignore. Those among you who have shown compassion will be blessed.”
Overcome with emotion, the people knelt in reverence, palms pressed together in prayer. With sincerity in their hearts, they chanted the name of Guanyin, moved by her presence and the light she brought into their lives.
True to her word, the Bodhisattva offered them a gift — her sacred image — bestowing peace and protection on all who had answered her call. From that day forward, it was said that she would dwell in the homes of the kind-hearted, watching over them with silent grace.
Messengers in ordinary form
Stories like this remind us that when a society begins to lose its moral compass, whether through natural disaster or man-made crisis, messengers of virtue may quietly appear. Like Bodhisattvas, they often take ordinary form — easily overlooked on the street or mistaken for someone passing by. Yet through their words and actions, they awaken the goodness in others, avert catastrophe, and restore light to the world.
Life is precious. For the sake of your own well-being and for the good of those around you, cultivate a heart of compassion. And if someone appears to guide you toward kindness and truth — listen. You may have encountered a messenger sent to help before the storm arrives.
Translated by Katy Liu, edited by Tatiana
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