Buddhist Medicine at Putuo Mountain since the late Qing Dynasty

Abstract

The Putuo Mountain, as one of the four famous Buddhist mountains in China, has a long history with Buddhist medicine. Buddhist medicine at Putuo Mountain was developed extensively in the late Qing Dynasty and was shaped with a variety of characteristics resulting in some great achievements. Hua Yu Tang, as a Chinese medicine clinic, was established by the Fa Yu Temple at the end of the Qing Dynasty. After that, Yi De Ji was written by Xin Chan, a Buddhist physician. Some medical hospitals, such as Pu Ji Hospital, and drug stores were also opened to serve people, and commonly did charity when there were epidemic or natural hazard outbreaks.Buddhist medicine was almost bogged down after the establishment of the New China. It has been well developed, however, since the 80s last century, through processes such as the operation of hospitals funded by Buddhist Associations and helping people in trouble in epidemic and natural hazard.The review of the Buddhist medicine at Putuo Mountain is meaningful to understand the significance of Buddhist medicine and also helpful to inherit traditional cultures.