Ritual

108
Diagram of an astronomical
computation. Rajasthan, c. 18th
century. Ink and colour on paper.
Different systems of Indian thought, then, developed various
theories of the origin, constitution and structure of matter. This
diversity contributed significantly to the work of constructing
scientific concepts which were freely applied to the methods of
investigation of the material universe and in the development of
such disciplines as, among others, chemistry, alchemy and
medicine.
Alchemy
Alchemy and medicine originated as necessary aids to the
fulfilment of spiritual objectives. The chief pursuit of alchemy,
besides transmutations of substances, was to preserve the vital elixir
of life and thus effect a state of physical balance and immutable
duration, so that all the energies of the body were unified. In
addition, the psychic changes following the intake of alchemical
preparations were not induced for their own sake but for higher
spiritual goals.
Hindu alchemy can be traced back to the Vedic period. The Rig
Veda describes the Soma Rasa, or the juice of the Soma plant, as
amrita, which is akin to the Greek ambrosia. In spite of the
divergence of views as to the attributes and properties of Soma, it is
generally agreed that it must have been an extremely potent
euphoriant. Authorities agree that it was a milky climbing plant,
most probably Asclepias Acida or Ephedra or a type of uncultivated
vine. For the extraction of juice, Soma herbs were
crushed between two stones or pounded in a mortar; the extracted
liquid was then filtered through sheep's wool and subsequently
mixed with milk, butter or honey. The texts describe its reaction
on the body as no less than a 'roar of a bull'. Soma was an
inexhaustible source of strength and vitality: it increased sexual
energy, stimulated speech and possessed healing properties.
Though alchemical knowledge was widely cultivated in ancient
India, it reached its zenith in the tantric renaissance period (AD
700-AD 1300). The tantrikas intimately understood the body and
its cosmic affinities; they were well aware of the various techniques
of attuning the body by the use of mercury, medicaments,
breathing exercises and helio-therapeutic meditation.
Alchemical experiments were concerned mainly with the
reduction of elements and their use in their primary forms. There
is, it was believed, an original stuff, or ultimate substance, out of
which the whole universe has been formed. This primal element
could be reduced or precipitated as powder - the ash form of