The Ocean of Mercury

The word Rasa mercury/essence has such a broad meaning that its mere utterance brings to mind many different concepts. Literary experts understand the word Rasa as the nine sentiments such as love and humor; physicians, due to the presence of Rasavaidya the science of mercury, understand it as mercury (Parada); and general practitioners know it as the six tastes like sweet and sour. Its polysemy becomes clear from the following verse:

Rasa is water, Rasa is joy, Rasa is associated with love/sentiment.
It is also taste in food, plant exudate, mercury, and poison.

Here, the word Rasa refers to the science of mercury (Parada). The author of the Rasaratnasamuchchaya Compendium of the Essence of Mercury, while defining Rasa, stated that Rasa is that which dissolves all metals into itself, or that which destroys old age, disease, and death.

A historical review of Rasashastra suggests that three traditions were prevalent in ancient times. At that time, the Brahmanical tradition of Rasavidya science of mercury was primary. Acharya Nagarjuna made new discoveries within it and created a simple process for the transmutation of copper and other metals using special applications of mercury, after which he became a follower of Buddhism. At this time, the Buddhist tradition branched off in the study of alchemy. Due to Nagarjuna’s generosity, the Buddhist tradition developed significantly, and they also received state facilities. By providing initiation into alchemical operations, they sent thousands of disciples to countries near and far to propagate Buddhism.

Due to orthodoxy in the Brahmanical tradition, which did not provide proper space for new ideas and actions, it could not receive state patronage like Buddhism, and the path of the latest discoveries was blocked.

Meanwhile, society, dazzled by new discoveries, supported the Buddhists, and they propagated the science of alchemy in the country and abroad. In the meantime, the Jains adopted the mixed art of the Brahmins and Buddhists and promoted this science through teaching and study.