In ancient China, medicine was not just a profession but a pathway to performing acts of kindness. Most physicians were motivated by a desire to help those in need, and their stories are a testament to the philosophy that by helping others, you also secure blessings for yourself and future generations.
Ming Dynasty physicians
The compassionate physician of Lin’an, Zhejiang
During the Ming Dynasty, a physician named Zou Guan, also known by his monastic name Jie An, lived in Lin’an, Zhejiang. Renowned for his medical skills, Zou was particularly concerned about those who couldn’t afford medical treatment. On one occasion, he learned that a villager nearby was suffering from carbuncles. Without hesitation, Zou brought medicine to the villager’s home and treated him. The family, too poor to offer anything substantial, was prepared to give Zou their only ox as a thank you. However, Zou refused any compensation and left.
Two years later, while passing through the same village, a tiger blocked his path in the darkness. At that critical moment, an ox charged at the tiger, chasing it away. It turned out to be the same ox he had refused to accept as payment. Driving away the tiger and saving Zou Guan was also the ox’s way of repaying its owner’s debt of gratitude!
Li Delin: The healer who crossed paths with destiny
Another eminent physician was Li Delin from Heqing County, Yunnan, known far and wide for his exceptional skills, particularly in diagnosing difficult cases. One day, a poor man on the east side of the Er River fell ill and could not get up. Hearing this, Li Delin went to the man’s home and cured him without accepting any payment. Later, when Li needed to cross the Er River, he rushed to the ferry.
Just as he approached the shore, a woman, thinking no one was outside, carelessly tossed water from a basin, soaking Li thoroughly. At that moment, her husband came outside, recognized Li Delin as the doctor who had treated him for free, and immediately knelt in gratitude, inviting him to stay overnight to apologize for the mishap. The next day, Li Delin learned that the ferry he was supposed to take had capsized. The locals believed his good deeds had spared him from the disaster, further affirming his great virtue.
Generosity beyond medicine: The legacy of Yao Kan
During that time, some doctors did not charge consultation fees, and some even used their money to help others. Yao Kan, also known as Wen Gang, a doctor in Shangyuan County, Nanjing, learned medicine from a renowned physician surnamed Li when he was young and quickly mastered his teacher’s skills. He could heal any long-standing illnesses, even if others couldn’t cure them.
He was highly skilled in medicine, but was also known for his profound sense of duty and generosity. Whenever he heard of someone who was poor and couldn’t afford a funeral for a family member, he would generously help them. His actions not only earned him local respect, but seemed to bless his family as well; his son passed the imperial examinations and quickly rose to significant official positions, reflecting the belief that good deeds bring good fortune to one’s descendants.
Xu Chengren: A life of selfless service
Similarly, in Chuzhou, Zhejiang, Xu Chengren, also known as Zi Mei, exemplified the virtues of a healer. Coming from a background in Confucianism, he delved into medicine with great passion. Xu never hesitated to spend his own money on charcoal and medicine to prepare remedies for the impoverished. He kept no savings, choosing instead to invest everything in helping others. His dedication ensured that all his patients recovered, and his virtuous life was publicly honored. His descendants also prospered, achieving scholarly success, a testament to the belief that “a family that accumulates goodness will always have abundant blessings.”
Conclusion
These stories from the Ming Dynasty highlight the deep-seated belief in ancient Chinese culture that medical practice was as much about nurturing a spirit of benevolence and earning karmic rewards as it was about healing bodies. The legacy of these physicians is not just in the lives they saved, but in the moral example they set, demonstrating that compassion and virtue can indeed transcend generations.
Translated by Joseph Wu
