Library

I have examined the affairs of the world; those that could be transmitted but were not, are too numerous to recount. Among those that could be transmitted but were not, some are regretted by people, while others are not; these are also too numerous to recount. The *Qingnang Shu* (Green Bag Book) of Hua Yuanhua (Hua Tuo), and the *Guangling San* (Song of Guangling) of Ji Shuye (Ji Kang)—the non-transmission of these two works is a constant source of regret for people. I alone hold that there are things to regret and things not to regret.

Today, the qin (zither) is complete in elegant music. Medicine is an art of benevolence, and both originate from the teachings of the Ancient Kings. Xi Sheng (a reference to Ji Kang or similar figure in context of music cultivation) loved music in his youth and practiced it in his adulthood, using it to guide and nourish spirit and qi (vital energy), and to soothe emotions. Yet he could not avoid death. Was this perhaps slightly deviating from the correct melodies left by the Ancient Kings? If so, what is there to regret even if it is not transmitted?

Master Hua rose after physicians like Lu Yi (Bian Que) and Bian Que, achieving miraculous results on his own. He could make the paralyzed stand, the weak strong, the withered moist, the emaciated plump, the critical stable, the prematurely dead long-lived, and the dead alive. His learning took Xuanyuan Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) as its ancestor and was rooted in the *Suwen* (Basic Questions) and *Neijing* (Inner Canon). This is truly adhering to the Way of the Ancient Kings, waiting for future generations, to benefit the people. It should not fail to be transmitted. Because it was not transmitted, there is regret.

Formerly, Changli (Han Yu) said: "If there is no successor, even if prosperous, it will not be transmitted." Yuan Xiaoji once learned the qin from Ji Sheng, but Ji was stingy and did not teach him. Thus, the non-transmission of *Guangling San* was not because there were no successors, but because they were refused. Master Hua gave his book to the prison guard. After his death, the guard, suspecting and fearing, burned it. Thus, the non-transmission of the *Qingnang Shu* was because there were no successors at that time, leading to its loss.

Alas! A scholar born with extraordinary talent, once stirred by righteousness and courage, disregarding his own body, leaving a name immortal in the universe, yet his painstakingly composed writings could not leave even a single glance for later generations. This pent-up and vigorous energy, solidified among figures of past and present, who can untie it and who can explain it? Until hundreds or thousands of years later, suddenly a person like Chen Yuan Gong (Chen Yizhen), fond of learning and deep thinking, heard the wind and admired it, sincerely sought it, and obtained it. He brought out the buried ancient texts, highlighted them, further expounded what had not been revealed before. Is this not a rare expression of sentiment across ages?

However, the text points to mystery from Lü Zu (Lü Dongbin), opens the box from the Heavenly Master, and discusses doubts with the True Person. The events seem strange, and some may doubt its theories as absurd and unreliable. But I have read this piece repeatedly. Its prescriptions are indeed unique, and its arguments are very upright. It gathers the thoughts of several sages, changes the guidance of past and present, examines the subtle signs of diseases, and establishes the standard for medical treatment. Since ancient times, medical books have added one more. It is like entering the Dragon Palace, where treasures of the sea storehouse are displayed together; how to choose and decide? It is not as clear as this record, which is evident upon opening the scroll. Therefore, I sincerely publish it to spread it throughout the land and sea, for common appreciation.

Nowadays, the Sage is above, reverent and self-possessed, governing by non-action. Transformation spreads, and spirit is preserved. The common people are already abundant and moved; all nations are harmonious. Disasters and epidemics have ceased due to great virtue and enterprise. Yet, day and night, he remains diligent, deeply concerned with suffering, worrying until not a single man is lost before finding peace. If this book is printed and truly circulated, households will recite it. The wise and intelligent will become enlightened and adaptable; those of average ability will follow and imitate. Occasional trials yield occasional effects; repeated trials yield repeated effects. Long-term trials ensure that out of ten thousand, not one fails. Then, the method used to assist perfect governance, to prolong life for the world and the people, would surely not be insignificant.

Things cannot be transmitted to predecessors, but can be transmitted to successors. The timing differs, but the transmission is the same. Master Hua was transmitted through Mr. Chen; the Heavenly Master and the True Person were transmitted through Master Hua, further extending the lineage. Readers of the world should not regard it merely as the book received by Mr. Chen, but directly as the unburned book of Master Hua. It feels as if masters and friends are meeting face-to-face, with eyebrows and whiskers moving vividly in the hall, as if being taught personally by ear-pulling and oral instruction. Then, one believes that the *Qingnang Shu*, with its skills sufficient to benevolently treat people and benefit things, is ultimately not different from the *Guangling San* in terms of non-transmission. I know that the spirit of Master Hua in heaven has no regrets.

Time: The auspicious day of the first ten days of the second autumn month of the year Jisi, the 28th year of the Kangxi reign.
Respectfully inscribed by Jin Yimou, styled Xiaoqi, a junior scholar from Yiwu.