Early in the dynasty, medical assistance to the indigent sick had been organized under the auspices of the Buddhists. In fact, the spirit of charity which they introduced was interpreted concretely by princely houses. They founded hospitals and dispensaries, and granted funds for the care of the mentally ill. Wu Chao in 701 created a lay commissariat to administer to the sick through state hospitals. Annexed to monasteries, these havens were supported by the yield of certain monastic lands called ‘fields of compassion’.