Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.s2.t2.23

v1.c6.s2.t2.23

“Sun Simiao, was an eclectic author, conversant with the philosophies of the diverse Chinese schools – chiefly with Taoism but he was interested in Buddhism as well; a contemporary even nicknamed him "a new Vimalakirti",” (Jiu Tang Shu 舊唐書, 卷: 4a-b). To be a good physician, he says in the introduction (Taoist Canon 道藏1: 1b-2b), “It will not suffice to be versed in Confucian and Taoist literature: no one who has not read Buddhist books will experience love, compassion and the joy of renunciation. One will not know when approaching patients vow to convey succour to all animate beings in all their sufferings, without distinction of rank, fortune, age, beauty, friendship or intimacy, nationality (Chinese or Barbarian) or intelligence. One will not succeed in considering all patients, with even mindedness, as one’s most dear friends.” This quote reflects Buddhist medical ethics beautifully.