[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D.](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902) › v1.c12.t6 # A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v1.c12.t6: Book VI. Initiation into Discipleship A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v1.c12.t6 - **Language:** English ### Book VI. Initiation into Discipleship ### [v1.c12.t6.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.1) \[This chapter is full of directions for the mystic Tāntric rites after the performance of which the pupil is to be initiated into the secrets of mercurial lore.\] ### [v1.c12.t6.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.2) The instructor must be wise, experienced, well-versed in chemical processes, devoted to Siva and his consort Pārvatī sober and patient. The pupil should be full of reverence for his teacher, well-behaved, truthful, hard-working, obedient, free from pride and conceit and strong in faith.. 3-7 ### [v1.c12.t6.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.3) Chemical operations are to be performed under the auspices of a ruler, who is God-fearing, who worships Siva and Pārvatī and whose territory is free from anarchy; and the Laboratory, to be erected in the depth of a forest, should be spacious, furnished with 4 doors and adorned with the portraits of the Gods. 13-15 ### [v1.c12.t6.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.4) Take of gold-leaf 3 niskas in weight and quicksilver 9 niskas and rub them with acids for 3 hours. Make the amalgam into a phallus (emblem of Siva, the creative principle) . . . . . the phallus to be worshipped in due form. By the mere sight of the \*phallus\* of mercury, the sins accumulated by the killing of 1,000 Brāhmans and 10,000 cows are redeemed. 19-22 ### [v1.c12.t6.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.5) The science of mercury was communicated by Siva himself and is to be imparted by the instructor to the disciple according to the prescribed rules with closed eyes. 30 ### [v1.c12.t6.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.6) \[Here follows an account of certain disgusting and obscene rites borrowed from Rasārnava and other Tāntric works.\] ### [v1.c12.t6.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.7) The apparatus and implements as also the ingredients required for chemical operations (see next Book) are also to be addressed in prayer . . . . . and the names of the 27 alchemists to be invoked. \[See opening lines : Bk. I, p. 77.\] 53-61 ### [v1.c12.t6.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.8) The science of mercury is to be strictly kept a secret . . . . if it is divulged, its efficacy is gone 70 ### [v1.c12.t6.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6.9) BOOK VII ## Cites (1) - [Rasārṇava](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.rasa.siddha.rasarnava.1) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1902.v1.c12.t6) · Pramāṇa