The Ocean of Mercury

( 12 )

There were many prominent teachers of this science, and there were many important texts composed by them, which were lost over time. Among these teachers, Nagarjuna, Vyadi, and Gorakhnath were prominent.

Just as the major texts were lost, Dehavada was lost, and over time, Lohavedha also ended. Nowadays, Rasashastra has remained only useful for medical purposes.

Among the important texts of Rasashastra, the Rasarnavam holds a prominent place these days. This text is unique in itself. In the first chapter of this text, a special description of spirituality and liberation is given. This text is complete in the form of a question-and-answer session between "Devi and Bhairava." Most people believe that this text was written by the Kaula tradition. However, the author rebukes those who desire liberation through detestable behavior and the consumption of inedible items. He states that if liberation were attained by consuming urine, feces, blood, semen, etc. (which is the prescription in the Kaula tradition), then dogs and pigs would attain liberation first. Describing liberation after death as meaningless, the author of Rasarnavam says that if liberation is attained after the body falls, then donkeys, goats, and oxen should also be liberated because their species changes! The six philosophies (Shaddarshana) also describe liberation after the fall of the body, but it is not directly visible like a myrobalan fruit in the hand. Everything is destroyed with the destruction of the body. Therefore, one should protect the body with effort. For this, the methods of Rasa and Rasayana alchemy/rejuvenation are prescribed.1-3

1. "Gold is ten million times greater than earth; gems are ten million times greater than gold; the meteoritic metal is ten million times greater than gems; mercury is ten million times greater than that meteoritic metal. There is nothing greater than mercury, neither in the past nor in the future."
2. "If liberation were achieved by the consumption of semen, urine, and feces, then, oh Great Goddess, dogs and pigs would be liberated."
3. "The liberation that occurs at the fall of the body is meaningless. When the body falls, oh Goddess, even a donkey is liberated. If liberation were to occur at the time of the breaking of the body, why are donkeys not liberated? Why are goats and oxen not liberated, oh Mother of the Ganas? Therefore, protect the body with Rasa and Rasayana." (Rasarnava)