Overview

The quintessential guide to an ancient Indian tradition of healing and alchemy. In this revised and expanded edition of his seminal text, Andrew Mason explores the branch of Ayurveda, involving the traditional ancient Indian medicine called Rasa Shastra in which various metals, minerals and other substances are purified and combined with herbs to treat illnesses. Based on years of observation and practice in Sri Lanka, Mason offers a detailed exploration of this medicinal purification practice that seeks to enhance the therapeutic potential of materials, metals and gemstones, as well as offering a concise overview of traditional and modern equipment and methods used in the manufacture of these medicines. The author's unique and fascinating account of the hidden alchemical arts also explains some of the historical background behind the on-going quest amongst Asian alchemists for immortality. The new edition of Rasa Shastra includes a reformatting of tables; revaluating the processing and utilisation of materials; a comprehensive account of the purification process in the section on Parada; a new ‘Essentials in the Pharmacy’ sections’; an expanded ‘materials’ section with a comprehensive section on Lavana and important types of salt; additional plants, such as Langali; and an enriched ‘Materials’ chapter.

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9781801521130

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Reviews

Endorsements for the previous edition of Rasa Shastra: The Ayurvedic Art of Medicine Making and Alchemy 'Rasa Shastra: The Ayurvedic Art of Medicine Making and Alchemy is a great introductory book on the concepts behind this time-honoured traditional medicine from Asia. Easy-to-read, profusely illustrated and presented from the standpoint of personal experience, I think any reader would gain a great deal of knowledge from this book.' Dr Tasnim Munshi, Deputy Head of School, Professor and Program Leader, University of Lincoln, UK 'An extraordinary book. Andrew Mason has succeeded in documenting the knowledge from this secret oral tradition that would otherwise have been lost forever.' Philip Weeks, master herbalist, acupuncturist and author of Make Yourself Better and Painful Bladder Syndrome 'An in-depth and informative read that tackles the complexities of Rasa Shastra (Indian Alchemy). Andrew presents the precepts of this ancient science in a very readable and concise way, helping demystify the process conceived by the masters of this ancient science. From introductory to advanced concepts, this book aims to guide the reader through the historical aspects of the work to its modern day equivalents. Rasa Shastra: The Ayurvedic Art of Medicine Making and Alchemy remains an illustrative, interesting and insightful journal, for those seeking knowledge into this lesser understood science of Ayurveda - highly recommended. Dr Mauroof M Athhique MD (Ayur), PhD, Director, College of Ayurveda (UK), Milton Keynes

Author Information

Andrew Mason currently lives in the UK but lectures worldwide. Having completed his training in Āyurveda and Rasa Shāstra he now focuses his energies on cataloguing the practices of ancient medical systems, particularly those deeply aligned with herbo-metallic- mineral preparations. To date he has produced four volumes of work detailing some of these techniques. Each of these volumes gives a unique glimpse into the ancient practice of Rasa Shāstra, rarely seen outside of India or Sri Lanka. For more information please visit the author’s website.

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