Significance of First process
The first process in Rasashastra refers to the initial methods for purifying various substances. This encompasses a range of techniques for purifying elements like mercury, gold, lead, and different minerals using ingredients such as lime, cow's urine, and specific herbs. Each method follows a systematic approach involving steps like boiling, rubbing, heating, and immersion to achieve desired purification effects. Overall, the first process highlights the foundational practices in ancient alchemical purification as detailed in the texts of Rasashastra.
Synonyms: Preliminary stage, Commencement
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'First process'
The "First process" in Hinduism encompasses a variety of initial methods for material transformation and purification, ranging from incinerating substances (like cowrie, diamonds, and tin) to treating poisons and metals, indicating a systematic approach to alchemical practices.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) The first process to combat snuhi poison involves specific treatments.[1] (2) The initial method described in the text for rendering snake poison powerful through specific mixing and drying techniques.[2] (3) The initial step in the preparation of Mandura, involving heating, immersion, and roasting with triphala.[3] (4) The initial method of purifying gold by mixing it with pansu lavana and heating for one and a half hours.[4] (5) The initial set of instructions detailed on pages 143-144 of Processes I and III.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) The initial method of discharging the essence of Manas-shila involving specific materials and heating.[6] (2) The initial method of incinerating Bimala involving sulphur and juice of lakucha.[7] (3) The initial method of purifying Tuttha involving lime juice, laghu-puta, and bhavana with curd water.[8] (4) The initial method of purifying all anjanas by subjecting them to bhavana with the juice of bhringaraja.[9] (5) The initial procedure for extracting the essence of mica that involves mixing powdered mica with specific substances and subjecting it to bhavana and heating.[10]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) The initial step in restraining mercury, which involves rubbing it for three days with a decoction of specific herbs and ingredients.[11] (2) A procedure where mercury is subjected to confinement (rodhana) for the removal of impotency it has acquired by sublimation, involving immersion in a decoction of bala and riddhi or a solution of rock salt for three days.[12] (3) The initial procedure in the treatment of mercury involving its rehabilitation with lime juice and sunlight.[13] (4) The initial procedure of mixing mercury with powdered turmeric and juice of kanya.[14] (5) The initial method of preparing mercury involving the rubbing of mercury with five different kinds of salts, rajika, maricha, sigru seeds, tangana, kanji, and heating it in a Dola-yantra for three days.[15]