Rasaprakāśasudhākara (The Nectar-Mine of the Illumination of Mercury)

I bow first to Harihara Vishnu and Shiva combined, who is glorified by the crescent moon, possesses a beautiful face, is the repository of Shiva, is worshipped by the primeval one Brahma or the unborn, and embodies creation, maintenance, and destruction. (1)

I bow to and worship Sharada Saraswati, who wears a garment white as the lotus and lily, is adorned with a necklace of pure pearls, and is served by the entire host of perfected beings. (2)

I bow first to Ganapati Ganesha, whose face is like an elephant's, whose luster is like the clouds, who has three eyes and four arms, and whose crown is adorned with gold and jewels. (3)

I bow to the residence of Girisha Shiva's abode, which is always great and wonderful, the supreme destroyer of all diseases, expert in the method of all perfections, the remover of the sorrows of those who bow to him, and the mercury of the world a metaphorical title for Shiva as a savior. (4)

I shall describe the origin of mercury as it truly is, then its purification and the eighteen processes. (5)

The science of bondage, the metallic essence of mercury, the purification of metals, their incineration, and the description of their qualities. (6)

The eight great mercury-substances maharasa are clearly stated here by me, as are the qualities, purification, and incineration of the secondary substances. (7)

1 'Shashikalakalitam' is another reading. 2 'Atha rishipujitam' is another reading.
3 'Ratnasu' is another reading. 4 'Samuha' is another reading. 5 'Karma cha' is another reading.
6 'Bandhanam chaiva' is another reading.