The Ancient Turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake in the Night of Incense Offering

The surface of Hoan Kiem Lake was dark and still at night, so quiet that one could hear leaves falling. The Turtle Tower stood majestically on the water, beautiful and sacred. The teacher and his disciples were specially arranged to sit in a small boat, guided by two rowers, silently moving toward the center of the lake. This was the first time the teacher had come to offer incense at the tower during the night, because during the day, this area is strictly kept secret by the state, and no one is allowed to visit freely.

That night, the teacher prayed with great sincerity. His vows were beautiful wishes for the nation and for the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), without any thought for himself. After making offerings, the teacher and his disciples walked to the northern corridor, looking up at the sky and down at the earth. Then they moved to the southern corridor, continuing their silent observation.

Suddenly, about twenty meters away on the water, something emerged and stirred.

The teacher looked closely. It was the head of a very large turtle. The creature floated on the surface, occasionally moving, as if letting the teacher know it was there. The teacher whispered softly, "The ancient turtle has surfaced."

Everyone focused their eyes on that spot. The turtle began to swim, rising and diving, waving its fins and splashing the water. It remained active continuously for half an hour, staying in one single position right before the teacher’s eyes. Its massive shell glittered in the moonlight, creating a scene that was both mystical and deeply moving.

The teacher pressed his palms together and bowed in respect. His disciples followed suit. Unable to contain his emotion, the teacher climbed down from the tower to the grassy bank below. He knelt down, joined his hands, and faced the turtle.

At that moment, the turtle tilted its body, raising its curved claws high above the water surface. It held this pose for a long moment, like a greeting or a confirmation. Then, it quietly dove beneath the dark surface of the lake and disappeared.

The teacher and his disciples returned to Ngoc Son Temple by boat, filled with indescribable emotions. The teacher believed that the ancient turtle had witnessed his prayers at the tower. Because he had only vowed for the country and the Buddha's teachings (Dharma), without any personal ambition.

After returning that night, the teacher began organizing the training camp for Buddhist youth across the nation. The camp was incredibly successful, attracting significant attention from society and government authorities. The teacher felt that the fortune of meeting both national guardian spirits – Saint Giong at Soc Mountain and the Golden Turtle God at Hoan Kiem Lake – were blessings and confirmations for these great efforts in Buddhist activities.

The Meaning of the Story

When people have pure hearts, wishing only for good things for the country and the Dharma, without seeking personal benefit, spiritual forces and sacred beings will always be present to protect and support them. The Golden Turtle God, by surfacing and waving for half an hour, was not performing a random phenomenon. It was a confirmation and a protection for Buddhist activities that bring long-term benefits to the community and the nation.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang