The Ocean of Mercury

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Whether the science of alchemy is ancient or a contribution of the medieval Siddha tradition is a controversial subject. Observing the histories of the Vedic period, it is known that the basic source of alchemy is the Vedas. A specific discussion of it is found in the Rigveda. In the Atharvaveda also, it is mentioned in many places through various mantras. In a mantra of the Atharvaveda, there is instruction for mercury to enter the human body in a state of health to make it immortal, and in a state of illness, to enter and free it from disease. Based on this, we can certify the Veda as the fundamental source of alchemy.

In the classical texts of Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, etc., there is a rule for using mercury (Rasa), sulfur, major minerals (Maharasa), secondary minerals (Uparasa), ordinary minerals, gems, and metals, etc., together in an independent form. In Charaka, the use of mercury for the cure of leprosy is mentioned. Even in the time of Vagbhata, substances like mercury and sulfur were purified and used. In the chapter on alchemy (Rasayana), there is a rule to consume mercury for the growth of body tissues like blood and for longevity. There is an indication that consumption of impure mercury containing faults like lead and tin can cause all-over leprosy. Therefore, even in ancient times, many methods of purifying mercury were prevalent, the expansion of which can be seen in various ways in today’s age. In Charaka, consumption of mercury calcined with sulfur or gold-pyrite is mentioned for the cure of leprosy. Similarly, the use of diamond original: "Heera" and Shilajit mineral pitch with Yogaraja a specific medicinal formula is found. The use of ashes of pearl original: "Mukta", coral, mica, copper, iron, and sulfur, etc., has been done in jaundice. Thus, the use of mercury-alchemy is found in many places in the classical texts.

1. "A bird flies above... it enters the man. This is the medicine for the immortal and the wounded." (Atharvaveda, Book 7, Ch. 76, Verse 4)

Here, the word "bird" represents mercury, and the word "immortal" signifies the healthy state, while the word "wounded" signifies the diseased state.

3. "One should consume diamond with Shilajit or with Yogaraja. It removes all diseases and subdues the leprosy." (Charaka Chikitsa, Ch. 7)