Haritaki (诃子 ), Holy Medicine of Buddhism

Abstract

Haritaki (诃子, Terminalia chebula Retz.) is also called “Big golden fruit,” “Wind-floating fruit,” and “Arura.” The alias “Big golden fruit” shows its appearance characteristics, the name of “Wind-floating fruit” implies its harsh living environment and tenacious vitality, and another name of “Arura,” which comes from Tibetan, emphasizes the medicinal value of Haritaki as valuable as rhinoceros horn. The Chinese name of “He Zi (诃子)” expresses the main purpose of Buddhism to universalize all living beings and save the spirit. The Haritaki tree is regarded as the holy tree of Buddhism in the folk. It is also respected as a holy medicine of Buddhism. Since it was introduced into China from India, it has been widely used as a health-preserving medicine. Haritaki, which is from Indian Buddhist culture, not only unravels the mysterious Buddhist culture but also excavates the connection and development of Indian Buddhist culture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Keywords

• arura
• big golden fruit
• haritaki (诃子)
• indian buddhist culture
• wind-floating fruit