法苑珠林 65.28

65.28

At that time, the turtle firmly gripped the monkey and walked backward, wanting to enter the water. The monkey, terrified and panicked, thought: “If I enter the water, I will surely die without doubt.” Yet in pain and weakness, he let the turtle drag him about. Hauled and dragged through a treacherous place, the turtle turned onto its back. At that time, the monkey embraced the turtle with both hands, thinking: “Who will deliver me from this suffering and distress?” The monkey knew where the ṛṣis lived: “He will rescue me!” He then carried the turtle and went toward that place. The ṛṣi saw him from afar and thought: “How extraordinary! What is this monkey doing, and what kind of game is he playing?” The monkey called out: “Brāhmaṇa, what kind of precious vessel full of treasures are you holding? What kind of faith have you obtained to come toward me?” Then the monkey spoke a verse: