Two Tons of Fish to Save a Life

The afternoon sun cast a gentle glow over the Ma River, its swift current carrying fertile silt to nourish the lush green banks. Inside a car traveling along the national highway toward Thanh Hoa province, the atmosphere was heavy with silence. The teacher sat by the window, his gaze drifting across fields of ripe golden rice, but his mind was focused on a special case he had just discerned.

Beside him sat a young Buddhist follower who served as an attendant. Suddenly, the young man turned to him, his voice urgent and pleading. He asked the teacher to look at his friend, noting that the man had been acting strangely lately, appearing dazed and exhausted.

The teacher turned to examine the man seated in the back. This individual held a high leadership position; although his demeanor was dignified, his complexion was gray, his eyes deeply sunken, and his spirit appeared gloomy. Through the intuition cultivated by years of practice, the teacher saw through the man’s physical form. He clearly perceived that the source of life energy had dried up and that his lifespan had reached its end. Every sign pointed to imminent death.

With a soft sigh, the teacher gestured for the man to extend his hand. Observing the lines on his palm and the color of his skin, the teacher spoke with certainty. He told the man that his time had run out and that there was nothing left to worry about regarding worldly affairs.

The man was stunned, his face draining of all color. He stammered in disbelief, asking how this could be since he held a significant position and enjoyed a happy family. He begged the teacher to save him.

The teacher shook his head, his voice low and warm yet firm. He explained that cause and effect (karmic law) is fixed, and he could not alter this universal rule. However, if the man wished to extend his time slightly to perform other acts of merit, he should listen carefully. The teacher instructed him to return home immediately, purchase three tons of fish, and release them into the river without delay. He hoped this urgent act might move heaven and earth, buying the man some extra time.

The man hastily asked permission to leave the vehicle and called his wife. Together, they rushed from one fish market to another, managing to gather two tons of carp and tilapia of various kinds. They hired a truck to transport the fish directly to the riverbank, where a group of Buddhist practitioners was already waiting.

Chanting voices rose in the quiet space of the late afternoon. Hundreds of fish were released into the water, their tails splashing white foam as they merged back into their natural habitat. Standing on the bank, the teacher guided everyone in dedicating the merit, praying for peace and healing for the sick man.

Time passed, and the Lunar New Year came and went. One late night, the man suddenly suffered a severe heart attack, his heart stopped, and he lost consciousness. His panicked family called for emergency services. Doctors worked tirelessly, performing artificial respiration and chest compressions for a very long time. It seemed all hope was lost. But miraculously, after many tense moments, his heart began to beat again. He woke up, weak but alive.

Had it not been for the release of those two tons of fish, he would have departed forever at that exact hour. The act of releasing life created a new stream of vital energy, effectively "buying time" for his continued existence. Since then, he has used this extended lifespan to actively engage in charity, building roads, constructing bridges, and continuously releasing animals. As a result, his lifespan gradually improved, and he remains healthy, continuing to contribute to society.

The Meaning of the Story

This story illustrates a profound truth: creating life for all beings brings life back to oneself. Releasing animals is not merely an act of compassion but also a miraculous remedy that heals karmic obstacles, extends longevity, and averts disasters. When we save the lives of sentient beings, we plant seeds of long life and peace within ourselves. This is a lesson on the power of cause and effect (karmic law) in transforming one's destiny.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang