Rasahṛdayatantra (1728 manuscript)

28 11

...it covers/binds the mercury in the essence, it dissolves; the meaning is the essence-dissolving. [31] Showing the meaning of red mica raktagaṇa and others: whatever viḍa combinations, alkali, sour, and saline substances, and the bright-colored [minerals] are stated—all of these, when refined, are the creators of essence-dissolution. [32] Commentary: Whatever viḍa combinations, and other [substances] not stated elsewhere, and the alkali, sour, and saline substances that have been stated—[these] are declared. The alkalis are yava-kshara, etc. The sour substances are sour gruel, etc. All these are declared. And [those] which are called "bright-colored" dīpta-varga, which are declared to be the creators of dissolution—all of these are [of the class of] viḍa, alkali, sour, and saline substances; they make the internal essence dissolve, [including] metals, gems, and jewels. [32] Now, the method of completion for the refined substance is stated: [33] ... [33] Now the calculation for this refinement is stated: [34] Commentary: When refined with half [the substance] by the aforementioned twelve parts, it is a sixteen-fold part. Again, when refined with half that three times, it becomes a sixty-four-fold part. [34] One should perform the essence-dissolution... [35] By the aforementioned method, the essence-dissolution is clearly described. One should not perform the calcination in a metal vessel with intense fire; one should perform it by the combination of abhiṣava maceration and the use of the sour-group [liquids], [such as] milk, not merely by the heating method. The heating method is for the sake of calcination. [35] Showing the three steps of grinding and heating: knowing the strength and weakness of the seed, one should perform the combination of grinding and the calcination method. [36] Commentary: Knowing the strength and weakness of the seeds metals, one should perform the grinding combination... and perform the heating or the apparatus combination... [36]

331 1936

In mercury work, knowing what is to be understood, one should perform the dissolution. [37] Commentary: By which method the mercury is known to be the essence-destroyer... the pupil should be guided by the teacher's instructions in the work... [37] Now, praising the external dissolution bāhya-druti: the external dissolution is pure, known by some gods and perfected beings siddhas. Having learned from them correctly, one should perform the seven-fold dissolutions. [38] Commentary: Dissolution is twofold: internal essence-dissolution and external dissolution. Having previously spoken of the internal, the external is now described. It is very pure. [38] Now, the lead-calcination jāraṇa is stated: lead, with the essence-seed combination... mixed, and together with sulfur and realgar, it becomes "dead" calcined. [39] Wrapped in a strong cloth bundle, in the shape of a peak, in a lamp... with oil, it is quickly made dead. [40] Commentary: "White lead" vara-nāga is the white species of lead... [40]