Introduction

Siddhinandan Mishra
Reader and Head of Department
Rasashastra Science of Mercury/Alchemy and Bhaishajya Kalpana Pharmaceutics
Ayurveda College, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi

"The scholar is the root of the foundations of righteousness, prosperity, desire, and liberation."

Within the science of Ayurveda, Rasashastra the science of mercury/alchemy holds a distinct place. While Ayurveda is considered to have been taught by Brahma, the science of Rasa mercury/essence is, conversely, said to have been taught by the Lord Ashutosh Shiva. Mercury is considered Shambhubija the seed of Shiva, meaning it is produced by Shiva. The zenith of Indian Rasashastra is considered to be from the period before Buddhism up to the 13th century. Before the Buddhist period, the Shaiva tradition was highly prevalent. Just as it is stated in texts like the Charaka Samhita that Sambhasha Parishad deliberative assemblies/seminars were organized in many places, it is likely that such discussions were held in other disciplines according to the customs of the time. Although there is no explicit mention of such assemblies in Rasashastra, the exchange of ideas on various subjects must have certainly taken place.

In the Charaka Samhita, within the account of the descent of Ayurveda, it is stated that when diseases became obstacles to the penance, vows, fasting, and studies of the sages, maharishis, and brahmins, a decision was made in an assembly of sages and brahmins to go to Indradeva to learn Ayurveda.

Human life has four objectives: the attainment of Dharma righteousness, Artha prosperity, Kama desire, and Moksha liberation. The final objective is the attainment of liberation. Many sages of the past were engaged in this, as they considered material objects of enjoyment—wealth, the body, etc.—to be anitya impermanent. Therefore, they wanted to attain liberation by making the body ageless and immortal (Pinda-sthairya stability of the body) and experiencing that existence, consciousness, and bliss through yoga for an infinite period. Although there were many other paths and means for attaining liberation at that time, they were extremely painful and uncertain, as seekers often fell ill or perished during the process. Those seekers first began to think and conduct research regarding Pinda-sthairya. In time, after infinite practice and research, all followers of this tradition unanimously accepted mercury as the only means for Pinda-sthairya.1

1. "When diseases, which are obstacles, manifest in embodied beings, they hinder penance, fasting, study, and the vows of the long-lived."

2. "Considering the physical body and its enjoyments as impermanent, one should always make an effort. Liberation comes from knowledge, which comes from practice, which depends on a stable body." (Raseshvara)