Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.s2.t1.1

v1.c6.s2.t1.1

Concerned with suffering and illness as well as healing and deliverance of humankind, Buddhism had a special place for *Cikitsāvidyā*, or *Bhaiṣajyaśāstra* (medicine), since its inception. The Pundit-monks were well acquainted with medicine because of their formal training in *Pañcavidyā*. They practiced various medical specialties including surgery and provided treatment to the residents of monasteries as well as to the lay people in need. They were the first transmitters of ancient Indian medicine to China.