Library

In the Tang Dynasty, there was a volume of prescriptions for treating diseases from the Western Regions. This was transmitted by immortals of the Western Regions and is recorded in the *Yiwen Zhi* (Bibliographic Treatise). In my poem "Song of Xiaopenglai," I wrote: "Refined into a golden elixir, a grain of yellow, / Not suitable for the masses to share and taste. / Wait for the immortal of the Western Regions to arrive, / To recount thoroughly the prescriptions for curing diseases in the human world." This refers to this very work. The Daoist discussions on Longhu (Dragon and Tiger), Qian (Lead), and Gong (Mercury) are merely empty talk. Tongbai Zhenren (True Person of Tongbai), using the Great Return Elixir (a Daoist elixir believed to grant immortality), ordered Zhang Lao to sell it door-to-door. Ultimately, who ascended to heaven in broad daylight? It is better than the single prescriptions of nobles, which save people from suffering and retain the compassionate heart of a Bodhisattva. Master Xinchan lived in seclusion within Buddhism but was proficient in medicine. His discussions on various medical topics were meticulous and profound. Only one who has meticulously studied the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) and *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) could utter even a single word. Including these alongside the medical cases further reveals his flexible application of principles, not bound by rigid methods. Master Xinchan had gained extensive experience in this field (literally: broke his arm three times, implying deep expertise through repeated practice). In early summer of the Gengyin year, I resided at the Youtai Xianguan. Master Xinchan visited me and presented this compilation, requesting a preface. Although I do not understand medicine, I have long known that Master Xinchan is proficient in it. Thus, I wrote a few words on the frontispiece to let people know that Bian Que and Cang Gong (ancient famous physicians) included those who secluded themselves outside the secular world, and one should not seek them only among those hanging gourd signs in the marketplace. Qu Yuan Jushi (Scholar Qu Yuan), Yu Yue.

The Way of Medicine may be small, but its benefit to the world is equal to that of a good chancellor. Did the ancients deceive us? Monk Xinchan came to Hangzhou many years ago, and many rare and difficult cases in our Hangzhou relied on him to survive. The medical cases selected here are only the most outstanding ones, comprising merely one or two tenths of the whole. I am quite devoted to medical books, while Xinchan has explored the secret manuals of the *Neijing* and *Nanjing*, and down to the major masters of the Han, Wei, Six Dynasties, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming dynasties, and the early Qing period, exhausting his spirit and energy. He selected the essence and copied them by hand into volumes. Whenever he discussed with me, he traced the origins and branches, as if counting family treasures, and spoke fluently, with inspired thoughts flowing freely, every point logical and sound. This is truly commendable. Now, having a trip to Shanghai, he took out the medical cases from his sleeve and asked me for a preface. I believe that Xinchan, with his deep foundational learning, can also spiritually connect with the ancients when treating patients, not writing lightly. This is truly assimilating the past and transforming it, not strictly bound by ancient methods, which is even more commendable. From then on, his gains became deeper, his attainment advanced, day by day growing new and prosperous, accumulating into a massive compilation. In the future, upon returning, he will carry it to Nanhai, burn incense, and offer it to the Buddha. Kasyapa (one of the Buddha's disciples) would surely smile beside him, holding a flower, saying: The Bodhisattva's compassionate heart to save the world is indeed so, indeed so.
Preface by Li Pengfei, Jinshi degree holder, Hanlin Academy Shujishi (Junior Gentleman of the Hanlin Academy), Renhe.