phóng sinh

Etymology
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Usage notes

 * means "to release captive animals into the wild," but this is done symbolically for good fortune nowadays rather than for genuine purposes in good faith. Buddhist enthusiasts often buy, usually preemptively caged pigeons, and "release" them into the wild. "Releasing" carp to provide one's with a "ride to heaven" (Kitchen Gods are thought to ride carp to heaven) before  could also be considered.