NAGARJUNA
Nagarjuna was a great Indian scientist who was born in Gujarat in 931 AD. He was a reputed chemist,
an alchemist, a metallurgist and a medicine-man. As an alchemist, he was adept in the art of transmuting
base metals to look like gold. The Arabs learnt this technique from him, and called it Alchemy. The most
famous work of Nagarjuna was “Rasaratnakara”, which deals with the formulation of Rasa or mercury
compounds. In his treatises he has also discussed methods for extraction of metals like gold, silver, tin
and copper. Nagarjuna had also made significant contributions in the field of curative medicines. He was
famous for the books like “Arogyamanjari” and “Yogasara”. The famous Nalanda University appointed this
profound scholar of versatile knowledge as their Chancellor. He was one of the wizards of chemistry, and
his discoveries continue to impress and astonish scientists till today.
The main aim of his experiments was to transform base elements into gold, like the alchemists in the
western world. Till date, this technology is used in making imitation jewelry. In his treatise, Rasaratnakara,
he has discussed methods for the extraction of metals like gold, silver, tin and copper.
He was the WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the
faculties of chemistry and metallurgy after a dedicated 12 yrs of research. Textual masterpieces like 'Ras
Ratnakar,' 'Rashrudaya' and 'Rasendramangal' are his renowned contributions to chemistry & made
significant contributions to the field of curative medicine with his medical books like 'Arogyamanjari' and
'Yogasar,' His milestone discoveries impress & astonish the scientists of today.
He conducted extensive studies on the health applications of Mercury & other heavy metals for a
significant part of his life. These studies, brought about, at that time, the visible re-emergence of this
branch of Ayurveda, viz. Rasa Shastra, or Alchemy. Ayurveda itself, in later periods, began to incorporate
Mercury as well as other "toxic" metals as important components of pharmaceutical formulations.
Essentially Rasashastra deals with the purification, transmutation and potentiation of various metals,
gems and herb essences. It is a highly refined, sophisticated and sacred art and extensive training is
required to perform it properly.
Rasashastra is derived from the Sanskrit words Rasa (meaning “essence”, “taste” or “inherent
substance or quality”) and Shastra (meaning “knowledge”, “science” or “sacred prescription”). Thus
Rasashastra is the sacred science of using the fundamental essences of various substances for healing
and spiritual growth.
In Rasashastra all ingredients are first purified and reduced to their absolute essence in a process
called Shodhana, where gems or metals are refined, through a process of alternate heating, cooling,
oxidizing and crushing, to a fine pure ash. These individual purified ashes are called Bhasmas
Rasashastric Gold bhasma (purified gold "oxide" ash) is the original version of what today is being
referred to as monatomic gold / ormus gold / white powder gold etc. It is made in a sacred process with
conscious intent and takes place in multiple cycles of firing, cooling, pulverizing and blending with various
energizing herb juices. It requires 100 iterations of this cycle to qualify as an authentic Rasayana. This art
is still practiced in India and authentic Gold bhasma is still available today.
Another profound healing panacea in Rasashastra is called Navaratna (Nine Gem). This compound is
indirectly related to Vedic Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) and Ayurvedic medical astrology as it engenders
benefits to the body internally in a similar way that Joytish gems and metals offer benefits on the surface
of the body. The difference is that with Navaratna the gems and metals are triturated with herbs after
being specially purified and, as they are orally ingested, they are designed to reach every cell in the body
for complete cellular and organ rejuvenation.
When making Navaratna, the nine gem-Bhasmas are dissolved and blended into a base of purified
and oxidized gold, silver and rose petals which further potentizes the gem essences and functions as a
vehicle to transport them into the body as nutrients.
Once absorbed, Navaratna works to release karmas and sanskaras that are held physiologically and
psychically in the body-mind as “knots” or toxic “pockets” in the tissues and nervous system. This is
similar to the use of gems on the surface of the body in Vedic Jyotish and Ayurvedic Medical Astrology,
but because Navaratna is ingested and delivered to every cell in the body it is a more powerful approach.
Rasashastra preparations also purify and rejuvenate on the cellular level, and may target certain organs
or tissue systems (dhatus) to complete their work.
According to documented history, the science of Rasashastra made its first visible appearance in
India during the time the Buddha (Gautama Shakyamuni) lived and was re-enlivened by Nagarjuna,
although according to practicing alchemists in the Rasashastra tradition, it’s roots are actually far older.
Rasashastra practiced today is the same authentic Vedic Alchemy that has been practiced and handed
down through generations for thousands of years, and Navaratna is one of the pinnacle elixirs within that
tradition.
