Rasadhyaya 92_129

92_129

Having applied sticky clay to a glass bottle, having thrown the restrained mercury inside, [one places] an earthen vessel shard over its mouth; / meaning: having placed a clay coverlet, / having applied cloth and clay on top, one should dry it. / Then, having made a pit one cubit deep in the ground, having thrown [the bottle] there, having applied dust eight fingers deep on top, a fire of dried cow dung should be kindled for a day and a night. / Then, having observed protection again in the morning, having thrown fresh powdered cow dung, a fire of dried cow dung should be kindled for a day and a night. / In this manner, refined seven times over seven days, this mercury named 'confined', tormented by intense hunger and licking its tongue, should be taken from the glass bottle. / Thus ends the ninth refinement process, confinement of the restrained [mercury].