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CONCEPT OF RASESHWARA DARSHANA (Philosophy on Mercurial system)

Article · August 2019

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 CONCEPT OF RASESHWARA DARSHANA
(Philosophy on Mercurial system)
Dr. G. Nisha1, Dr. Abhayakumar Mishra2, Dr. Ramesh N.V3
PG Scholar1, Proffessor2, HOD & Proffessor3
Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana
Amrita school of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita vishwa vidhyapeetham, India

ABSTRACT
Darsana (Philosophy) dealt in Indian system emphasize on accomplishing
Purusharthas (Objectives of man) i.e Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Wealth),
Kaֿma (Desire) and Moksha (Salvation). Moksha is the ultimate goal of mankind and it
is achieved only after death however Raseshwara darshan (Philosophy on Mercurial
system) believes in Jivanmukti (Lively liberation). Jivanmukti is possible only in a
healthy body and the state of health and wellbeing is attained only by means of Rasa
(Mercury). The concept of Raseshwara darshana is understood by knowing its
relation with Rasashastra (Medicinal chemistry) a unique branch of science in
Ayurveda which also emphasizes on the importance of Parada (Mercury) which helps
in eradicating disease and poverty. Rasahrdaya tantra explains that one who wants to
attain Jivanmukti, should have the combination of Haragowri shrishti i.e
Parada(Mercury) & Abhraka (Mica). Raseshwara darshan also have a close relation
to that of Haṭha yoga in Yoga darshanas which enumerates certain procedures like
Āsana, Pranayama, Mudra, Samadhi etc to make Vayu and Rasa stable to attain
disease free state, restrain from death and finally accomplish Moksha
Keywords: Raseshwara darshan, Hata yoga, Rasashastra

Introduction
Darsana (Philosophy) literally means vision. All Darshanas ultimately pursuit the path of
liberation (Moksha) i.e sublimation of soul with God or it is a state of liberating the soul from
rebirth and death. Darshanas have been originated with different philosophical thought but
emphasize the methods to accomplish Purusharthas (Objectives of man i.e Dharma
(Righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kaֿma (Desire) and Moksha(Salvation). The fundamental
principles of many Darshanas have been widely applied in Ayurveda.
• The Promulgator of Raseshwara Darsana was Adinatha (Lord Mahadeva). Few yogis
namely Chandrasena, Nityananda, Gorakshanath, Kapali, Bhaluki, Mandavya, Siddha
Nagarjuna etc have sufficiently contributed in establishing the concept of this
Darshana.
• Acharya Sayana Madhava had quoted about the concept of Raseshwara Darsana in
the work “Sarva Darsana Sangraha”(14th AD) which is a compilation of 16 Darsanas
Evolution
• Initially Parada (Mercury) was considered as an important tool for Dhatuvada
(Transmutation of lower metals to gold).
• It gradually paved way for the recognition of Dehavada (Therapeutic implications of
Mercury)
 • Later on, tantric and philosophical thoughts regarding mercury came to existence.
• Rasalinga (Idol with mercury) was made and started worshipping
• And finally, Rasa was considered as the best and unique tool for attaining Moksha.
• From this, the concept of Raseshwara Darshana evolved which explains the method
of attaining Jivanmukti using Parada

Two different opinion exist regarding the religion to which

Raseshwara Darshana follows
1) The followers of Raseshwara Darshana is considered as a separate religion as they
worship Rasa (Mercury).
2) Other opines that it belongs to Shaiva, as Rasa( Mercury) is originated from Lord
Shiva.

Materials and methods

1) Raseshwara darshana and its available commentaries were referred for proper
understanding

2) Available classical text books of Rasashastra were also screened for interpretations.

Conceptual Review
The conceptual review is divided into three segments

a) Concept of Raseshwara darshan

b) Application of Raseshwara darshana in Rasashastra
c) In relation to Hata yoga

a) Concept of Raseshwara darshan

It has a unique way of approach for attaining liberation called as ‘Jivan mukti’ i.e to attain
salvation during life itself. According to Rasarnava and the believers of this darshan,
attaining liberation after death is considered to be hopeless as it is possible even by a donkey.
To attain Jivan mukti’, the body should be free from diseases, oldage and death. The diseased
body cannot perceive the knowledge. The knowledge is obtained by vigorous
exercises(practices). To make this possible, the man should make the body healthy and stable
which is called as‘ Pinda sthairyatha’. Hence ultimately to accomplish ‘Pinda sthairyatha’
(Stable body) the man should use Parada (Mercury)

b)Philosophy of Raseshwara darshan in Rasashastra

Rasashastra is an unique science that completely believes and follows the system of
Raseshwara darshan. There are few classical texts in Rasashastra like Rasahrdaya tantra,
Rasarnava etc which gives an elaborate description of the method of attaining lively
liberation with the help of Parada (Mercury). Mercury is the nucleus in which the whole
branch of Rasashastra revolves. There are difference of opinion regarding the purpose of
evolution of Rasashastra. According to Acharya Nagarjuna, it is said that Parada is used for
Lohavada i.e converting lower metals into higher metals and combat poverty. Other opines
that Parada is used for Dehavada i.e by the use of processed mercury, it cures diseases and
makes the man healthy and stable. Parada is known to be quick as Manas (mind) and
Chanchala (Unstable) like deha (Body).Thus when the Mercury is made stable and made use
for consumption, it also helps in making the body stable. Classical texts of Rasashastra
clearly explains the method of making mercury stable by subjecting it to certain procedures
called as Swedhana, Mardhana, Murchana, Utthapana, Patana, Rodhana, Niyamana,
Deepana, Anuvasana, Grasamana, Charana, Garbhadruti, Bahyadruti, Jarana, Ranjana,
Sarana, Kramana, Vedha, Bhakshana together called as Ashtadasha samskaras (18 mercurial
operations). The Parada is made fit for consumption to mankind by testing it on metals, as
Deha is considered to be similar to Loha.
According to Rasahrdaya tantra, One who wants Jivanmukti, should have the
combination of Haragowri shrishti (Parada & Abhraka) to attain Pindasthairyata

In Relation to Hata yoga

Rasarnava says that ‘Karmayogena deveshi prapyati pinda dhaaranam”.
Karmayoga is of two, Rasa and Vayu. Rasa and Vayu should become Murchita, Mrtha and
Baddha to attain Moksha

Table: 1 Showing the method by which these states are attained

S.NO TYPES RASA VAYU

1. Murchita (Swooned) Murchana samskara Pranayama

2. Mrtha (Inactive) Bhasma Yogabhyasa
3. Baddha (Bound) Gutika Samadhi

According to Rasahrdaya tantra, Acharya says that Murchita Parada (Swooned mercury) is
Roga naashaka (Cures diseases). Mrtha parada (Inactive mercury) is Amarathwa kāraka
(Prevents death) and Baddha parada (Bound mercury) for Moksha prapti (attains salvation)
The school of Raseshwara Darshana is having close relationship with Hatha yoga.
The techniques described in Hata yoga also aids to accomplish Moksha. It is said that the
very core of Yogasastra was narrated by Ādinatha(Lord shiva) and later learnt by yogis like
Matsyendranath, Gorakhanath etc.
It is believed that in our body Manas and Rasa are considered to be Chanchala (Unstable)
Mana is nothing but Vayu and Rasa can be Shukra
There are many methods mentioned in Hata yoga which helps to balance Vayu (Breadth) and
shukra (Semen).
Prana (Mana)-It is balanced by practising certain techniques like Pranayama etc
Sukra(bindu) - It is preserved by practicing certain mudras like Vajrouli Mudra etc.
In Hatayoga, Lord shiva says to Parvati that
Murchitoharate vyādhīnṃrto jīvayati svayaṃ
Baddhaḥ khecharatām dhatte raso vāyuśca pārvati
When Mercury and breathing is made stable, then it destroys diseases, death etc and attains
Khecharata (state of flying). When manas is stable, the vayu and bindu is preserved and
ultimately reaches the state of Moksha.
DISCUSSION
The basic fundamentals and concepts of all Darshanas is to attain Moksha but the method of
approach differs. Among these Raseshwara darshan is unique as this philosophy highlight
the importance of Moksha prapti (attains emancipation) during life itself which is Jivanmukti
(Lively liberation). According to Raseshwara darshan, Jivanmukta is possible only by a body
which is devoid of disease and death, and to accomplish this state it is possible only by means
of Parada(Mercury).The concept of Raseshwara darshan is extensively applied in
Rasashastra, which is a science originated to destroy poverty and diseases to mankind by the
use of Parada. The techniques like Ashtadasha samskara etc been described in detail to make
Parada stable and potent. In the similar way, the concepts of Hata yoga also substantiates the
principles given in Raseshwara darshana by explaining the techniques by which Prana,
manah and sukra is made steady, providing equilibrium of body and mind thereby helps in
attaining Moksha.

CONCLUSION
Raseshwara darshan is an unique philosophy given by Ādinatha (Lord shiva) which
emphazise on the method of being healthy (to both body and mind) and through which a man
can restrain from death and attains Jivanmukti (lively liberation). It is said that all these are
possible only by means of a divine drug Parada (Mercury).

REFERENCES

1) Dr. Madan mohan Agarwal, Sarva Darsana Sangraha of Madhavacharya,

Chaukhamba Sanskrit publications, Delhi, First edition 2002, Pg268-283

2) Dr. C.R. Agnives ,Ayurvediya Rasashastra,. Rakendu publications, kottackal, kerala,

first edition 1997,pg 1-20

3) Dr. Indradeo Tripathi, Pt. Taradatta panta Ayurvedacharya, Rasarnava nama

Rasatantram, edited by Dr. Shri Krishna Dixit, Chowkhamba publications, Varanasi,

4) Prof.Siddhinandan Mishra, Ayurvediya Rasashastra, Chowkhamba publications,

Varanasi,13th Edition:2003

5) K.Nishteswar & R.Vidyanath, Ayurvediya Rasashastra, Chaukhamba surbharati

prakashan, Varanasi , first edition 2005,pg 4-6

6) Pancham singh, The Haṭhayoga pradīpikā, Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratishthan, Delhi,

first edition 2003,pg 84
7) Prof. Siddhinandan Mishra, Rasachintamani, Chowkhamba publications, Varanasi, 3rd
edition 2008, pg 9
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