Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.31.2

v1.c6.31.2

The transition from "abnormality of one element" to "abnormality of one vein", or "abnormality of one *qi* (air)" in traditional Chinese classics and Dunhuang literature reflects that some traditional Chinese physicians (cum Buddhists) recognised and accepted certain practices of the Indian Buddhist medical theories. Their acceptance was, however, not based on total imitation; rather they applied it as a model for transforming and improving its application by adding core elements of local culture consciously within the outer shell of imported foreign culture. Through the transition from "one element" to "one vein" or "one *qi*", traditional Chinese physicians linked the traditional pathogenesis theory with the Buddhist pathogenesis theory. Furthermore, it must be noted that the terms such as "one change translated Chinese versions and their translation, introduction and communication are consistent with the eastern spread of Indian religion. The famous catalogue of Chinese medical books entitled *Riben guo jian zai shu mu lu* (*Catalogue of Books Extant in Japan*), compiled by Fujiwara no Sukeyo (828-898) lists several kinds of medical books with names of Bodhisattva Nāgārjuna and Jīvaka, thus indicating influence of some elements of Indian medicine.