Paper short abstract:

This study analysis the procedures to detoxify mercury as described in the Big Measure of Gold, a fourteenth century medical collection by Penden Gyeltsen (Dpal ldan rgyal mtshan) of the Drangti medical lineage.

Paper long abstract:

The present contribution focuses on the Precious Necklace of the Methods of Composition of the Black Mercurial Medicine according to Orgyenpa (O rgyan pa'i dngul chu'i nag sman sbyor ba rin chen phreng ba), which is included in the Instructions of Brangti Doctor's Medical Lineage called the 'Big Measure of Gold' (Brang ti lha rje rim brgyud man ngag gser bre chen mo) by Penden Gyeltsen (Dpal ldan rgyal mtshan, fourteenth century). These instructions, which are ascribed to Nāgārjuna and Vyāḍipa, were introduced to Tibet by Orgyenpa Rinchen Pel (O rgyan pa rin chen dpal, 1229/30-1309), an important master of the Töd Drukpa Kagyü lineage. The text deals with the detoxification of mercury-sulphide ash (bsto thal). The process starts with the method to subdue mercury ('dul thabs) through 'purifying the tarnish or oxide' (g.ya'phyi dug 'don). The next method of cooking is meant to eliminate the 'penetrating substances' ('ci phigs btso thabs). This is followed by the union or 'confrontation' with sulphur, and the amalgamation of mercury with eight minerals that devour its poison (za khams brgyad) and eight metals that bind it ('ching khams brgyad). Besides, the Precious Necklace describes other minor methods of detoxification and treatments of poisonous substances. I will offer insight into the content, the structure, and the terminology of these instructions.