In the history of Daoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Sun Simiao is a legend. A master physician of divine skill, he rejected rewards from Emperor Taizong of Tang. A lofty Daoist adept dedicated to cultivation, he was revered by the common people as the “King of Medicine” and a “living deity.” What he sought in life was not fame or fortune, but to translate his belief that “human life is of utmost importance, more valuable than a thousand pieces of gold” into actions of healing and monumental works that would benefit generations. This article analyzes the compassionate heart and wisdom of this eternal medical sage from four dimensions: his life, medical skill, writings, and Daoist practice.

1. A Childhood Vow: From “Prodigy” to Healer of the World

• Early Years: Frail and sickly since childhood, his family wealth was exhausted seeking treatment, giving him a deep understanding of the misery of illness and leading him to vow to save the world through medicine.

• Life Choice: Exceptionally intelligent, well-versed in all schools of thought especially Lao-Zhuang philosophy, he renounced an official career, retreated to Zhongnan Mountain, and dedicated himself to medicine and Daoist cultivation.

• Core Belief: Adhering to the principle that “medicine is about intent.One who is skilled in using intent is a good physician,” he integrated reverence for life into his lifelong practice.

2. Divine Medical Skill: The Great Physician's Sincerity, Benefiting All

• Exceptional Skill: Traveled extensively, accumulating rich clinical experience. He revived a “seemingly dead” pregnant woman with three acupuncture needles, uncovered the truth behind beriberi through diet therapy,Pioneered the “Ashi point” and catheterization, among many innovations still used today.

• Noble Medical Ethics: Proposed the principle of “Great Physician Sincerity,” advocating that physicians should be “free from desire and want, first giving rise to a heart of great compassion and sympathy,” treating all patients equally regardless of wealth, status, or relation.

• Rejecting Imperial Reward: Politely declined a nobility title offered by Emperor Taizong, choosing instead to go among the people, providing free medicine and treatment. His actions exemplified the true meaning of being “more valuable than gold.”

3. Prolific Writer: Synthesizing Tang Dynasty Medicine

• Monumental Works: Devoted his life's energy to compiling Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies and Supplement to the Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold (collectively known as Qianjin Yao Fang), containing over 6,500 prescriptions covering all medical branches—an encyclopedia of Tang medicine.

• Pioneering Contributions: First to establish gynecology and pediatrics as independent sections; summarized and developed Zhang Zhongjing's theories; Promoted the “treating disease before it arises” health preservation  concept.emphasizing dietary therapy and Daoyin exercises.

• Pharmacopoeia Compilation: Supervised the compilation of the world's first state pharmacopoeia, The Newly Revised Materia Medica of the Tang Dynasty, laying the cornerstone for Chinese herbal medicine.

4. Unity of Medicine and Dao: The Realm of Ascending as an Immortal

• Daoist Practice: Mastered Daoist classics and alchemical nourishment, perfectly blending the Daoist concept of “non-action” with the medical practice of “action,” forming a life philosophy of “courage should be great but the heart small; wisdom should be round but conduct square.”

• Posthumous Veneration: Passed away without illness at the age of 141, said to have “ascended to immortality in broad daylight.” Later generations honored him as “Marvelous Response Perfected Being” and the “King of Medicine,” worshipped in Daoist temples alongside Shennong, Bian Que, and Hua Tuo.
  Sun Simiao’s life was a perfect unity of medical skill and compassionate heart, cultivation and helping the world. What he sought was the well-being of all people; what he pursued was the transmission of the Great Dao. His story and wisdom transcend a millennium, remaining a beacon that illuminates the physician's benevolent heart and the path to healthy living.