This story is taken from “Chuyện cổ nước Nam” (Folk Tales of Vietnam). While some might consider folk tales to be fictional, the author’s belief in the Law of Karma and the intention to promote virtuous conduct make it worth sharing:
Once upon a time, there was a man named Châu Văn Địch. He worked tirelessly, but his family remained poor. However, he was kind, honest, and virtuous.
A wealthy man in the region often lent him money. Year after year, they engaged in this cycle of borrowing and repaying.
During a year of crop failure, Châu Văn Địch couldn’t repay his debt, but the wealthy man didn’t press him for it. Years passed, and Châu Văn Địch passed away, still owing the debt. On his deathbed, he lamented to his children:
“My debts remain unpaid,
My soul cannot find peace in the afterlife.”
One night, the wealthy man had a dream. He heard a voice whispering in his ear:
“Reborn, yet bound by a past vow,
As an ox or horse, I shall repay the debt.”
The next morning, he discovered that his cow had given birth to a calf with the words “Văn Địch” on its back.
The calf grew quickly, becoming strong, intelligent, and obedient. It excelled at plowing and tilling. Those who knew the story remarked:
“The debtor may be gone,
But the debt lives on.
Even in death,
Gratitude must be shown.”
Years later, Châu Văn Địch’s two sons grew up and, by the grace of Heaven, prospered. One day, while plowing their field, they heard someone in a neighboring field say to their ox:
- “Văn Địch! Văn Địch! Hurry up, it’s almost noon.”
Hearing their father’s name, they rushed over in surprise. The man explained:
- “This ox has had the words ‘Văn Địch’ on its back since birth. It only obeys when called by this name.”
The sons immediately went to the wealthy man’s house, expressing their desire to buy the ox. The wealthy man replied:
- “Châu Văn Địch owed me a debt, which he couldn’t repay, but I didn’t demand it. It seems he has been reborn as this ox to fulfill his obligation. For years, it has worked diligently, contributing to my prosperity. I consider the debt repaid. If you are his sons and wish to buy him back, I will sell him to you. I will also return the old debt contract so you can burn it to bring peace to your father’s soul.”
The sons bought the ox and burned the debt contract. The ox immediately collapsed and died, having finally repaid his debt from the past life.
Witnessing this, people coined the proverb “Kéo cày trả nợ” (Pulling the plow to repay a debt).
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