A Study On The Response Of Taoism To Epidemic Diseases In The Tang Dynasty

Taoism was prevalent in the Tang Dynasty and it almost became the state religion.It actively responded to sudden and public events such as epidemics.Based on the extensive collection of first-hand historical data,this article attempts to explore the mechanisms and ways that Taoism use in the prevention and treatment of epidemics by using the interdisciplinary research methods about history,religion,sociology and cultural studies.Through the discussion and evaluation of medicine,Taoism,teachings and beliefs,we can observe the participation and responsibility of Taoism in historical events.According to historical records,the Tang Dynasty was not the peak of epidemic diseases.Every outbreak of the epidemic disease brought serious disasters,so the rulers attached great importance to the rescue of epidemic diseases.From the perspective of medical knowledge and doctors’ beliefs in this period,the official medical system was closely linked to Taoism.There are many Taoists served in official medical institutions.Therapies such as Dao Yin(a treatment method based on exercise and massage)and spells are deeply influenced by Taoist medicine.In the management of Taoism,the assessment and promotion of Taoists pay great attention to their magic and medical skills.Affected by the trend of "Taoism is superior,medicine is inferior",people who have both medical and Taoist skills were willing to fill an office in official Taoist system,but they are important doctor source in the treatment of epidemic diseases.Measures to deal with the epidemic diseases was taken by government in the Tang Dynasty.Taoists took an active part in various official measures to relieve the pressure from the shortage of medical resources.In terms of medical assistance,Taoists in the official system directly participate in government’s policies.Some local officials actively consult Taoists how to treat epidemic disease.Taoists donated medicines that they pick,plant and storage in daily life.The ritual of praying for disasters can deepen the emperor’s attention to epidemic diseases and provide psychotherapy,but its symbolic meaning is greater than the actual effect.In the sorting and teaching of medical knowledge,Taoists wrote many medical books which related to the prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases.Taoists participated in the compile of the Tang Materia Medica and Hanguang Li wrote the Pronunciation and Usage of Herbal Medicine,their behaviors have promoted the development of Materia Medica.The textbooks used by medical officers and the official prescriptions are deeply influenced by Taoist medicine.All of these measures have greatly promoted the popularization of medical knowledge.Taoists are important undertakers of folk medical treatment,their behaviors in epidemic diseases are spontaneous.Both medical techniques and Taoist magic are paid equal attention to the treatment process.They not only adopt medical methods by donating medicines,providing treatment and imparting medical knowledge,but also use religious therapy such as magic and rituals.In this process,Taoism persuades people to do more good deeds can become an immortal,encourages Taoists medical treatment,which demonstrates its spirit of caring for life and exerts the social function of religion.In the process of dealing with the epidemic diseases,Taoism has also developed itself,showing a tendency of secularization.Taoist medicine is highly scientific in.terms of understanding the cause of disease,the prevention of diseases,and the way to keep health.The norms of magic and rituals are conducive to its adjustment,and the close connection between Taoism and folk beliefs guarantees its vitality.Taoism’s response to epidemic diseases is homogenized with that of Buddhism,it has not established a special medical assistance organization and its propaganda needs to be improved.Its positive attitude and response methods still have important reference value in today.