Rasa shastra
workshop

Rasa Shastra Workshop

This workshop introduces the concepts of alchemical medicines and how they align with the science of Ayurveda (Traditional Indian healing system). Why use rasa medicines and what are their advantages and disadvantages over other alternatives.

introduction

The potency, stability and specificity of rasa medicines (they tend to be potent and fast-acting) make them an attractive alternative to other medicine. They have a greatly extended shelf-life (in some cases almost indefinite) and finally are recommended for specific conditions where their actions are known to be highly effective in targeting certain physical systems/pathways in the body ie: the water metabolism system and its derangements such as diabetes etc.

Generally, rasa materials can be broken down into four categories; these are: minerals, metals, gemstones and plants. Of these metals are the most complicated to process and reduce to fine oxidised powders, they require intense heating and protracted procedures, slowly integrating them with other materials such as plant juices and other previously prepared minerals.

Often the simplest and most easily converted materials are animal products such as deer horns, pearls, various types of shells and some plant extracts or seeds. Many can be prepared as simple ingredients in a number of days, in some cases even hours.

theory section of workshop

1. Introduction to Rasa Shastra (Vedic Alchemy)
2. Concepts of Health in Ayurveda, why use Rasa medicines
3. Materials (minerals, metals, gemstones, animal products and plants)
4. Bhasma Vs Pisti
5. Three levels of processing (bhavana/reduction, shodhana/trituration and marana/calcination)
6. Rasa Shastra equipment/s (yantra)
7. Health and safety when working with Rasa materials

practical section of the workshop

1. Ghee Clarified Butter
2. Triphala Decoction (3 fruits)
3. Mrga Srnga / Deer Horns
4. Shilajit / Bitumen
5. Guggulu Resin / Camphoria mukkul
6. Kapardika / Cowrie Shells
7. Mukta / Pearls
8. Sukti / Mother of Pearl Shell
9. Shankha / Conch Shells
10. Kukkutanda / Egg Shells
11. Rakta Pashana / Red Ochre Fe02

This introductory workshop seeks to identify various rasa materials, their use, availability and practical applications. Over the two days, this hands-on workshop will be actively engaged in reproducing these time-honoured remedies in accordance with prescribed methods still used in both India and Sri Lanka.

The workshop will be led by Andrew Mason, Author of: "Rasa Shastra: The Hidden Art of Medical Alchemy", 2014.

application

Date:	August (inquire for exact date)
Duration:	3 days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Seats:	maximum number of students is 10
Location:	Utrecht, the Netherlands
Language:	English
Cost:	EUR 280,-
Info and enrollment:	contact us here

note:

Workshops are both informative and interactive, but above all very practical. Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves by getting first-hand experience of preparing these ancient remedies, so suitable clothing/footwear is recommended.