🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Couplets are a unique form of traditional Chinese literary expression and the shortest literary genre. Flexible in length and rich in meaning, they are beloved by both scholars and commoners—truly appreciated by all. Throughout history, many famous physicians composed couplets in their spare time to express their inner thoughts—ranging from discussing the profundity of medical principles, sharing reflections on life, inscribing moral admonitions, to crafting philosophical warnings. Many of these couplets are profound and memorable, still inspiring future generations and offering valuable spiritual heritage. Below are some selected masterpieces for appreciation.
“May all people be healthy, I am willing to be poor.” Written by Fan Wenfu, a renowned physician from Zhejiang. Fan was famous for his generosity and willingness to spend money freely. He often provided free diagnoses and medicine to the poor, issuing prescriptions stamped with his seal for direct redemption at pharmacies. Every Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and year-end, he settled debts with pharmacies, spending all his savings without hesitation. He composed this couplet to express his sentiments. After decades of practice, he died poor. “Only wishing all people remain healthy, I don’t care if medicine shelves grow dust.” A couplet by a Hunan physician from Xiangxi shares a similar sentiment—both reveal the physician’s broad-mindedness.
“Do not regret the past, pursue the future; fulfill what is necessary, accept what is natural.” Authored by Zhang Jianzai, the “Chief Physician of Nanjing” during the Republic of China era. Zhang was highly esteemed, attracting military, political, and business elites seeking treatment—including Madame Song Meiling. Nationalist Chairman Lin Sen personally awarded him the plaque “Living Medical Master,” earning him the nickname “Imperial Physician.” Living among high-ranking officials, Zhang maintained purity and discretion, often advising his disciples: “A gentleman does not lead the world.” He composed this couplet to express his inner resolve, requesting Chen Lifu to write it for his study, placing it as a motto. It reflects his integrity and detached lifestyle. In 1948, the Nationalist Government offered him positions like “Legislative Council Member” and “National Assembly Representative”—which he firmly declined.
“A lifetime dedicated to one skill, sincere effort connects with spirits and gods—indeed, a unique insight opens new paths, aiding predecessors by mending gaps;
A solitary lamp for twenty years, heroic spirit exhausted, heart and soul poured out—since then, the spirit remains unextinguished, hoping successors will complete unfinished manuscripts.”
Written by Zhang Shanlei (1872–1934), who studied diligently throughout his life, reading extensively and dedicating his entire life to medical writings. In his final years, he fell seriously ill. In March 1934, too weak to continue, he composed this couplet as a self-eulogy. “Heart and soul poured out” yet he hoped successors would “complete the unfinished manuscripts”—revealing his deep commitment to writing. Compared to Xu Lingtai’s self-eulogy: “Soul returns to the netherworld, all knowledge buried underground; writings spread worldwide, benefits lasting for ten thousand years”—Xu openly expressed his ambition to “benefit humanity for ten thousand years.”
“Childlike emotions, heroic heart and courage; divine hands, bodhisattva-like compassion.” Composed by famous physician Zhang Cigong, engraved as a seal for his disciple Zhu Liangchun. It expresses his expectations for his student—and also his own self-motivation. “Childlike emotions” and “bodhisattva-like compassion” mean treating patients with sincerity and virtue; “divine hands” and “heroic heart” mean mastering medicine with skill and courage. Together, they embody the essence of “Great Physician’s Sincerity.”
“Ten years of reading, ten years of clinical practice; striving to help people, striving to help society.” Written by Liaoning physician Ma Erqin, posted on the pillars of his pharmacy. The upper line summarizes the path to becoming a physician; the lower line expresses his grand aspiration to serve society.
“A physician cannot achieve renown without deep scholarship; a book cannot serve as a model without rigorous selection.” Written by Qin Bowei. The upper line speaks of the physician’s pursuit of broad knowledge; the lower line discusses the method of reading and scholarship.
“Xu Lingtai read five thousand volumes; Ye Tianshi learned from seventeen teachers.” Composed by Cheng Menxue, widely circulated, summarizing two key factors for a physician’s excellence—extensive reading and multiple mentors. Xu and Ye are timeless exemplars.
“First cultivate character and intellect, then write literature; first develop morality, then pursue knowledge.” Written by famous physician Ran Xuefeng, highlighting the similarity between scholars and physicians: emphasize self-cultivation and moral integrity before pursuing knowledge and scholarship—character outweighs knowledge.
“Consistency makes a good physician; lack of consistency leads to mediocrity.” Written by Jiangxi physician Xu Shourong (1904–1970). In 1947, he founded Jiangxi Chinese Medical School, establishing the motto “Diligent Reading, Precise Research.” He often advised students: “Medicine is a life-saving art—not a livelihood. Do not pursue profit through skill. Seek guidance from experienced masters, explore knowledge across the land—do not confine yourself. When diagnosing and prescribing, be cautious and thorough—never rashly harm others.”
“One diligence conquers all difficulties; a hundred tolerances harbor harmony within.” Written by Wuxi physician Zhu Xingbao (1873–1950). He often taught his disciples: “One diligence conquers all difficulties; a hundred tolerances harbor harmony within. Reading requires perseverance—without it, one’s efforts vanish like mist. You must study diligently without slackening.”
“Medicine has sovereign, minister, assistant, and messenger roles—countless variations; physicians have no distinction between rich and poor—same heart.” Clearly written by a physician. Composed by Fujian physician Sheng Guorong. The upper line discusses flexible application of medicine; the lower line emphasizes equal treatment of patients regardless of wealth—addressing both skill and ethics. Ingenious and seamless.
“When will the heart forget self? Skill can mislead at any moment.” A maxim composed by Yue Meizhong, always hung in his clinic. It reveals his inner resolve. “Cultivating the heart” means improving spiritual cultivation to reach “forgetting self”; “skill can mislead at any moment” warns himself to remain vigilant in medical practice—never endangering lives. Today, we still draw caution from this.
“The Way is not distant from people; let the patient’s body be your master; fame is not easily gained; let the patient’s mouth be your criterion.” Written by Guoxue master Zhang Taiyan, who had profound insights into medicine. This couplet emphasizes that medical truth should be learned from patients, highlighting the importance of clinical practice. Medical fame should be based on patient testimonials—original and insightful.