一要∶先知儒理,然后方知医业。或内或外,勤读先古明医确论之书,须旦夕手不
释卷,一一参明,融化机变。印之在心,慧之于目,凡临症时,自无差谬矣。
二要∶选买药品,必遵雷公炮炙。药有根据方修合者,又有因病随时加减者,汤散宜
近备,丸丹须预制,膏药愈久愈灵,线药越陈越异。药不吝珍,终久必济。
三要∶凡乡井同道之士,不可轻侮傲慢,交接切要谦和谨慎。年尊者恭敬之,有学人
师视之,骄傲者逊让之,不及者荐拔之,如此自无谤怨,信和为贵也。
四要∶治家与治病同,人之不惜元气,斫丧太过,百病生焉。轻则支离身体,重则丧
命。治家若不固根本而奢华,费用太过,流荡日生,轻则无积,重则贫窘。
五要∶人之受命于天,不可负天之命。凡欲进取,当知彼心愿否,体认天道顺逆,顺
取人缘相庆,逆取子孙不吉。为人何不轻利远害,以防报之业也。
六要∶凡里中亲友人情,除婚丧疾病庆贺外,其余家务,至于馈送来往之礼,不可
求奇好胜。饭食只可一鱼一菜,一则省费,二则惜禄,谓广求不如俭用。
七要∶贫窘之家,及游食僧道,衙门差役人等,凡求看病,不可要他药钱,只当奉
药。再遇贫难者,当量力微赠,方为仁术。不然,有药而无火食者,其命难保。
八要∶凡有所蓄,随其大小盒饭,置买产业,以为根本。不可收买玩器,及不紧物
件,浪费钱财。又不可做入银会酒会,有妨生意。必当一例禁之,自绝谤怨。
九要∶凡应用各样物具,俱要精备齐整,不得临时缺少。又古今前贤书籍,及近时名
公新刊医理词说,必购备参阅,以进学问,此诚为医之本务也。
十要∶凡奉官衙所请,必当速去,毋得怠缓。要诚意恭敬,告明病源,开具方药。病
愈之后,不得图求匾礼,亦不得言说民情,致生罪戾。闲不近公,自当守法。
以上五戒十要,乃保身保家,守成之法。故直言而不文,当置于座右,朝夕一览。若
有贤能子孙,倘遵而行之,则可以成家立业。若不听信,必有饥寒不足之忧。凡人何不预
听,直待临时追悔,进退两难,将何及矣。
First Requirement: One must first understand Confucian principles before comprehending the medical profession. Whether dealing with internal or external diseases, one should diligently read the definitive works of ancient renowned physicians, keeping them in hand day and night without letting go, studying each point thoroughly to master their adaptive variations. Imprinting these truths in the heart and opening wisdom through the eyes, one will naturally avoid errors when treating patients.
Second Requirement: When selecting and purchasing medicinal materials, one must strictly follow Lei Gong's processing methods (traditional Chinese medicine processing techniques). Medicines may be prepared according to established formulas or adjusted based on specific conditions and timing. Decoctions (Tangji) and powders (San) should be kept readily available, while pills (Wan) and elixirs (Dan) must be prepared in advance. Plasters (Gaoyao) become more effective with age, and surgical threads or medicated cords (Xianyao) exhibit unique properties over time. Do not hesitate to spend on precious medicines; ultimately, they will serve to benefit others.
Third Requirement: Regarding fellow townspeople and colleagues in the medical field, one must not show contempt, insult, or arrogance. Interactions must be humble, amiable, and cautious. Respect elders, treat learned individuals as teachers, yield to the proud, and recommend/promote those who are less capable. By doing so, one avoids slander and resentment, valuing trust and harmony above all.
Fourth Requirement: Managing a household is akin to treating illness. If one does not cherish vital energy (Yuanqi) and causes excessive depletion, various diseases will arise. Lightly, this leads to physical debility; severely, it results in death. Similarly, if a household does not consolidate its foundation but pursues luxury, spending excessively leads to daily dissipation. Lightly, there are no savings; severely, poverty and distress ensue.
Fifth Requirement: Human life is bestowed by Heaven, and one must not betray this mandate. In any endeavor, one should consider whether the other party's wishes align, and discern the trends of Heavenly Dao. Aligning with favorable circumstances brings communal celebration, while opposing them brings misfortune to descendants. Why not disdain profit and avoid harm, thereby preventing karmic retribution?
Sixth Requirement: Regarding social interactions among neighbors and relatives, excluding weddings, funerals, illness visits, and celebrations, other domestic affairs and gift exchanges should not seek novelty or strive for superiority. Meals need only consist of one fish and one vegetable dish, which saves expenses and preserves fortune, illustrating that extensive seeking is inferior to frugal use.
Seventh Requirement: For impoverished families, wandering monks and Taoist priests, and government runners who request medical attention, one must not charge for medicine but rather donate it. For those in dire poverty, one should offer modest assistance according to one's capacity, embodying benevolent medical practice. Otherwise, some may have medicine but lack funds for food, making survival difficult.
Eighth Requirement: Any accumulated wealth, regardless of amount, should be used to acquire property as a fundamental asset. Do not purchase ornamental items or non-essential goods, wasting money. Nor should one participate in silver associations or drinking clubs, which hinder business. Such practices must be prohibited to cut off sources of slander and resentment.
Ninth Requirement: All necessary tools and equipment must be meticulously prepared and complete, avoiding shortages at critical moments. Furthermore, books by ancient sages and recent publications on medical theories by famous scholars must be acquired and studied to advance knowledge, which is indeed the primary duty of a physician.
Tenth Requirement: When summoned by government offices, one must respond promptly without delay. One must act with sincerity and respect, explain the disease origin, and prescribe medication. After recovery, one must not seek plaques or gifts, nor discuss civil grievances, to avoid legal trouble. Staying away from public affairs ensures adherence to law and order.
The above Five Prohibitions and Ten Requirements are methods for self-preservation, family protection, and maintaining legacy. Thus, they are stated plainly without literary embellishment and should be placed beside the seat for morning and evening review. If virtuous descendants follow them, they can establish a family and career. If ignored, hunger and cold will surely follow. Why do people not heed this advice beforehand, waiting until regret comes too late when facing difficulties? What good would it do then?