The Ocean of Mercury

( 10 )

In this sequence, Rasashastra continued to advance at its own pace for many centuries. Seekers of liberation also began to find success through this science and mercury. By melting the mercury-seed—which was perfected through the process of creating a gold-seed—and adding only a slight amount to light metals like copper, tin, and lead, they were transformed into gold, silver, and other superior metals. This was the test for Dehavada the doctrine of the body.

However, some scholars hold the opinion that Rasashastra was invented in India solely for Dhatuvada the doctrine of metals/alchemy. But this seems insulting to the sages of contemporary India who were seekers of liberation, because those sages had no interest or craving for gold and other objects of enjoyment. In this regard, Sri Sayanmadhavacharya has explicitly rebuked this notion.1 The subtle and truth-seeing sages had come to know mercury and the soul as equal. Just as the soul is eternal, inconceivable, and possesses inexhaustible power, so too is mercury. Both subjects are extremely profound. Therefore, the knower of the soul and the knower of the essence of Rasa are both considered subtle observers.2

The author of Rasahridayatantra, Acharya Sri Govinda Bhagavatpadacharya, has similarly praised God in his text: Glory to Lord Vishnu, who wears yellow garments, who conquered the lineage of demon kings, who rides on Garuda, and who destroys the sorrows and poverty of the world.

Regarding mercury: Mercury that has digested mica and sulphur, and gold that has been killed by lead—which is of exceptional color, meaning it consumes gold, lead, etc.—is very dear to mercury. When mercury, which has digested mica and sulphur, takes in the gold killed by lead, it becomes capable of Dehavedha and is able to destroy the sorrows and poverty of the world. Therefore, glory to that digested mercury.3

1. "One should not think that Rasashastra is only for the sake of alchemy; liberation through Dehavedha is its ultimate purpose." (Raseshvara)

2. "As is Rasa, so is the soul; as is the soul, so is Rasa. Both the knower of the soul and the knower of Rasa are subtle observers." (Rasopanishad)

3. "Glory to that [mercury] which, like Hari [Vishnu], who wears yellow robes, destroys the demon lineage, and rides Garuda, destroys the burdens of suffering and poverty of the world." (Rasahridayatantra)