The Ocean of Mercury

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The author of Rasarnavam has stated the distinction between Rasa-karma work with mercury and Pavana-karma work with breath/wind. Mercury seekers who are addicted to liquor, meat, and sexual indulgence do not see the attainments of mercury; they are of corrupted intelligence. Looking at the descriptions above, it seems that the author of Rasarnavam was an opponent of the Kaula tradition.

Time and Author of the Text

Where there are problems and complexities everywhere in the Rasarnavam text, the biggest problem is the name of the time and the author of the text. When was this text written, and who is its author? This question is very serious. Some teachers hold the view that this text is very ancient, i.e., of the 4th–5th century; some teachers consider it to be of the 12th century based on its materials. But in my opinion, it seems that this text is of the 10th century.

The author has successfully avoided mentioning his introduction or name anywhere in the text; everywhere, there are only questions and answers between Parvati and Bhairava. Therefore, people have the perception that "Bhairavananda" is the author of this text by the name of Bhairava! Bhairavananda was a very accomplished yogi. There is no clear evidence of his time either. There have been many Bhairavanandas between the 4th and 18th centuries. This is an imagination, not concrete evidence.

Some Features of Rasarnavam

The flame test for metals on fire in the fourth chapter is its unique feature. In all Rasa texts, this method has been adopted with slight modifications.

1. "The method of work is considered twofold: Rasa and Pavana. When fainted, it destroys disease; when dead, it brings life itself; when fixed, it grants the ability to move in the sky—this is Rasa and Vayu [breath], oh Bhairavi." (1/29)
2. "Those who are addicted to liquor and meat daily, who are absorbed in the yoni and lingam, for those whose intelligence is destroyed, the knowledge of Rasa is very difficult to attain."
3. "In the flame test: gold appears yellow, silver appears white, copper appears blue, sharp iron appears black, tin appears dove-colored, lead appears like dirty smoke, mica appears gray, oh Goddess, and iron appears copper-colored." (4/49-50)