Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.s2.t1.3

v1.c6.s2.t1.3

The *cikitsāvidyā* entered China through translation of Buddhist sutras from texts like *Samyuktāgama*. For example, a *sutra* translated in Chinese at the beginning of the fourth century CE invokes Buddha and explains that the great king of physicians is the one 'who is able to realise the following principles; first, to understand the illness well which means to be able to differentiate between the various illnesses; second, to understand the origin of illness whether it be caused by wind, phlegm, saliva or various types of colds, whether the illness is acute or due to the season; third, to understand the antidotes eg there are salves, cough remedies or emetics, laxatives, nose drops or aromatic medication; fourth, to be skilled in treating illnesses without fear of a relapse.' Analysing methods for classification of disease and investigation of its causes, it states the basic *tridoṣa* principle of ancient Indian medicine *kapha* – tan 痰 (phlegm), *vāta* – feng 風 (wind) and *pitta* – danzhi 胆汁 (bile) and general methods of treatment.