
Contents
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Introduction Introduction
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Defining Rasaśāstra Defining Rasaśāstra
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Mercury as Sexual Fluid Mercury as Sexual Fluid
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Gender and Gems Gender and Gems
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The Six Acts The Six Acts
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Dealing with Death Dealing with Death
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Aphrodisiacs Aphrodisiacs
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Alchemical Pediatrics Alchemical Pediatrics
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Tantric Mantras Tantric Mantras
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Yantras of the Ānandakanda Yantras of the Ānandakanda
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Deities Deities
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Alchemy in Yoga and Tantra Alchemy in Yoga and Tantra
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Conclusion Conclusion
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Abbreviations Abbreviations
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Notes Notes
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References References
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13 Tantric Dimensions of Alchemy
Get accessPatricia Sauthoff, Hong Kong Baptist University
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Published:22 March 2023
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Abstract
This chapter examines the tantric dimensions found within Sanskrit alchemical textual tradition called rasaśāstra. This canon of literature, which dates to the 11th century to today abounds in references to early tantric alchemists, the use of mantra and maṇḍala within alchemical healing practices, and the protection of children from illness caused by demonic possession. The deities of rasaśāstra tend toward the tantric as well, with familiar deities such as Bhairava, Tripurasundarī, and Cāmuṇḍā worshipped during the processing of medical mercurials. This chapter explores the rasaśāstra canon for tantric elements and traces the how the texts combines herbal, metal, mineral, and spiritual medicines to provide a more complete understanding of both healing and religion in the medieval and pre-modern South Asian context.
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