Acknowledgements

Any phenomenon does not arise by itself; it depends on other factors for its arising (法不弧起，仗緣方生). This thesis is no exception; it has required many factors for its appearance and completion. Many people and conditions have contributed directly or indirectly to this study. I am thankful for all of these.

First of all, I need to express my gratitude to the Three Jewels, the holders and translators of Buddhist teachings from the past to the present, and all my Buddhist teachers and preceptors, for they have taught me and countless others the invaluable Buddhist doctrines and practices. This study would not have been possible if these precious teachings had not come to us.

I would like to voice my indebtedness to my parents, Kar Wah and Shui Fung Young, for they brought me into this world, raised me up with their love and care, and provided me with a great education. Without them, I would not have been here to conduct this research. Moreover, throughout my study, they have shown their support psychologically and materially. Thank you both very much.

I would like to sincerely thank my present and former principal supervisors, Prof. Georgios Halkias and Prof. Y. Karunadasa of the Centre of Buddhist Studies in the University of Hong Kong, as well as my co-supervisor, the late Prof. Li Chong Chan of the Centre for the Humanities and Medicine and the Department of Pathology in University of Hong Kong, for their guidance and encouragement. Special thanks must be expressed to Prof. Halkias, who has been patient in reading through my drafts in my final year and has given me his constructive comments for improving my writing and arguments in the thesis. In addition, I have to thank the late Ven. Prof. Kakkapalliye Anuruddha Mahāthera, for he inspired me to study the Chapter on Medicine in the Vinaya, by reminding me that I would be a suitable person to research the scope of “Buddhism and Medicine.”

My gratitude also goes to several other teachers in the Centre of Buddhist Studies. Ven. Prof. Guang Xing generously furnished me with an electronic copy of the Buddhist catalogue edited by Prof. Lewis Lancaster, and Prof. Toshiichi Endo and Prof. G.A. Somaratne who kindly helped me with the translation of certain Pāli phrases.

I would also like to extend my appreciation to Prof. Hsieh Feng-fan at the National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan for explaining to me some linguistic issues on early Middle Chinese, and to Fr. Dr. Aristotle Dy at Xavier School in Manila for informing me of a website containing medical information in the Bible.

I am very grateful to Mr. John Shannon for painstakingly proofreading and polishing my writings. I also need to thank Heesung Sophia Yoo, who has assisted me on reading the Japanese references.

I would like to acknowledge the support of University of Hong Kong, for allowing me to do my study in this wonderful university and granting me the four-year Postgraduate Scholarship. I also need to thank Ven. Hin Hung for arranging accommodation for me. Words of thanks go to the librarians of Lui Che Woo Law Library in University of Hong Kong for allocating a research carrel for me to use during the final year of my study.

Last but not least, I would like to convey my gratitude to many of my relatives and Buddhist friends who have constantly support me throughout these years.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this work to the Three Jewels, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of all directions, all Buddhist masters in history, and all my Buddhist preceptors and teachers. May the true Dharma be long-lasting. I also dedicate this to my parents and all sentient beings. May they be happy and healthy.

sukhino vā khemino hontu sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā.