A chemical ‘explosion’ triggered by an encounter between Indian and Chinese medical sciences: another look at the significances of the Sinhalese Monk Śākyamitra’s (567?–668+) visit at Mount Wutai in 667

A significant encounter between Indian and Chinese medical traditions during the Tang Dynasty, facilitated by the Sinhalese monk Śākyamitra (567?–668+), led to a groundbreaking discovery with far-reaching implications. Śākyamitra's pilgrimage to Mount Wutai in 667 was not merely a religious journey but also a strategic mission to procure saltpeter, an essential ingredient for the immortal elixir sought by Emperor Gaozong of Tang. This encounter underscores the multifaceted nature of cultural exchanges between China and India, extending beyond religion into the realm of medical science. Saltpeter, a key component in gunpowder—one of China's Four Great Inventions—emerges as a pivotal element in this historical narrative. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between religious devotion, political patronage, and scientific innovation during this period.

Chen, J. (2018). A chemical ‘explosion’ triggered by an encounter between Indian and Chinese medical sciences: another look at the significances of the Sinhalese Monk Śākyamitra’s (567?–668+) visit at Mount Wutai in 667. Studies in Chinese Religions, 4(3), 261–276. https://doi.org/10.1080/23729988.2018.1554381