Sulfur

A pivotal substance in Indian alchemy,
the conceptual foundation for which is
its analysis of the world as a series of
bipolar opposites in tension with one
another, and the conviction that unifying these opposing forces brings spiritual progress and the end of reincarnation
(samsara). Hindu alchemy shares this
model of uniting or transcending
opposing forces with Hindu tantra, a
secret, ritually based system of religious
practice, and with hatha yoga, which is
668
Sudarshana Sampraday
based on a series of physical exercises
that are also believed to affect the
subtle body.
In the alchemical tradition, the governing metaphor for this combination of
opposites is the union of sun and moon.
Both are connected to other opposing
principles through an elaborate series of
associations, in keeping with this bipolar symbolism. In Hindu alchemical
conceptions, sulfur is conceived of as
the uterine blood of Shakti, and thus a
powerful element. It is also identified
with the sun, with heat, dryness, and
withering force. When sulfur is mixed
and consumed with elemental mercury,
which is identified with the god Shiva’s
semen, the aspirant’s gross body is purified and refined, eventually rendering it
immortal. Modern descriptions of this
practice invariably warn that it should
only be carried out under the direction
of one’s guru (spiritual teacher), since
otherwise the combination will be
harmful. This warning is not surprising,
since by itself mercury is a deadly poison.
For further information see Shashibhushan B. Dasgupta, Obscure Religious
Cults, 1962; and David Gordon White,
The Alchemical Body, 1996.