Rasāyana focuses on rejuvenation, longevity, and vitality, aiming to promote well-being and balance. In Vedic alchemy, the term rasa has a dual meaning. It signifies the path of essence and also refers to "metal", often mercury, or "a mineral."
This duality reveals the intricate relationship between the physical and metaphysical aspects of health and healing in ancient medicinal practices. The use of metals and minerals in alchemical processes reflects a deep-rooted belief in the transformative powers of nature.
In early ayurvedic medicine, the concept of rasāyana holds a significant place as one of the eight key areas of medicine outlined in Sanskrit literature. The term "rasāyana" originates from Pali and Sanskrit, defined as the path of essence.
The concept of Indian alchemy originates from early medieval sources, with its seemingly magical application of alchemical substances continuing through the medieval era in tantric sorcery texts. The earliest organized alchemical writings come from the 10th century.
The goals of alchemy in India include the creation of a divine body (Sanskrit divya-deham) and immortality while still embodied (Sanskrit jīvan-mukti). Sanskrit alchemical texts contain much material on manipulation of mercury and sulfur.
They set two main objectives of Indian alchemy: to turn base metals into gold (dhātuvāda, transmutational alchemy); and to create elixirs of immortality (dehavāda, elixir alchemy). Buddhist scriptures of the 2nd - 5th centuries refer to transmutation of base metals into gold.
The Vedas from the 2nd millennium BCE illuminate a connection between eternal life and the precious metal, gold. This ancient text hints at the enduring fascination humans have had with immortality and the perceived value of certain elements in achieving it.
Exploring rasāyana and its associations with metals and minerals, practitioners seek to unlock the secrets of longevity and vitality. People find connections between the intricate workings of the human body and the elements and processes of the natural world.
This holistic approach to medicine echoes the ancient wisdom embedded in ayurvedic practices. The importance of balance, rejuvenation, and the pursuit of optimal health through the harmonization of mind, body, and spirit, is paramount.
Eleventh century Persian physician and chemist Abū Rayhān Bīrūnī explores the tradition of Indian science, particularly Rasāyana. This ancient science is dedicated to the art of restoring health and rejuvenation through use of plant-derived medicines.
Rasāyana is the Sanskrit term used in South Asian texts to refer to "alchemy." The classical alchemical scriptures originated in the 10th century. Much earlier, rasāyana was associated with "rejuvenation therapy."
Rasāyanas are the elixirs used in this therapy. Around the 8th century CE, the term rasa-rasāyana is introduced in Buddhist and Hindu tantric texts to describe the supernatural power (siddhi) of acquiring a magical elixir.
The term rasa is used to refer to mercury, which is the main alchemical reagent. The term rasāyana specifically denotes the alchemical utilization of mercury and its compounds. The traditional Indian alchemical writings were composed between the 10th and 13th centuries.
Starting from the 13th century, mercurial, mineral, and botanical preparations begin to be increasingly employed in various forms of medical treatments, many of which complemented the traditional ayurvedic rasāyana therapies.
Yet another branch of tantric alchemy is known as siddha alchemy. In numerous alchemical texts, Rasa-Siddhas are considered originators of alchemical lineages and customs.
Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History
Through the medieval period, various factions proclaim themselves perfect beings or siddhas, possessing extraordinary abilities called siddhis. A rich mythology develops around the siddhas during this era.
They are seen as mythical figures who fuse alchemy with yoga and tantric practices. These groups play key roles in integrating aspects of laboratory alchemy into yogic traditions.
Traditional Rasayana formulations consist of components, such as minerals, pearl, coral, and gems. They also feature specially treated mercury. Today the majority of current products of made of herbal ingredients along with a few mineral and animal substances.
The current Rasayana formulas are based on such ingredients as amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) which is high in vitamin C if fresh. Other ingredients include Terminalia bellerica, used to protect the liver and to treat respiratory conditions.
It's also used to treat respiratory tract infections, cough, and sore throat. Terminalia chebula is a remedy for dysentery. Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula are used in lotion for sore eyes.
Shilajit, a black tarry substance exuded by rocks; long pepper, black pepper, ginger or processed Guggul (Commiphora wightii) are also medicinal ingredients. Guduchi, Ashwaganda, Shatavari and similar elements are found in common remedies.
Parallels between ancient rasāyana practices and rasaśāstra alchemy are many. Elements such as mercury (Hg) and cinnabar (HgS) play pivotal roles in transformative procedures. This science extends beyond metals to powerful medical tinctures from nature.
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Rasaśāstra's goals include longevity, health, cognitive enhancement, virility, and extraordinary abilities. In contemporary times, the concept of rasāyana continues to hold significance as it bridges ancient herbal wisdom with modern scientific knowledge.
The process of perfume making is included in alchemical writings, highlighting the use of different qualities of perfumes and their significance. Abū Rayhān Bīrūnī, who visits Gujarat as part of the court of Mahmud of Ghazni, reports,
"... they have a science similar to alchemy which is quite peculiar to them, which in Sanskrit is called Rasāyana and in Persian Rasavātam. It means the art of obtaining/manipulating Rasa: nectar, mercury, and juice. This art was restricted to certain operations, metals, drugs, compounds, and medicines, many of which have mercury as their core element. Its principles restored the health of those who were ill beyond hope and gave back youth to fading old age."
An early alchemical writer, Nāgārjuna Siddha (c. 200 CE) is a Buddhist monk. His book, Rasendramangalam, is a compendium of Indian alchemy and medicine. He's said to develop a method of converting mercury into gold.
A great deal remains to be discovered about Indian alchemical literature. The content of the Sanskrit alchemical corpus has not yet been adequately integrated into the wider general history of alchemy.
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