based on a series of physical exercises
that are also believed to affect the
subtle body.
In the alchemical tradition, the gov-
erning metaphor for this combination of
opposites is the union of sunand moon.
Both are connected to other opposing
principles through an elaborate series of
associations, in keeping with this bipo-
lar symbolism. In Hindu alchemical
conceptions, sulfur is conceived of as
the uterine bloodof 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 puri-
fied 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 Shashib-
hushan B. Dasgupta, Obscure Religious
Cults, 1962; and David Gordon White,
The Alchemical Body, 1996.
Sulva Sutras
(“aphorisms on measurement”) A col-
lection of brief sayings giving the exact
rules for constructing the sacrificial
altars for the public Vedic sacrifices. The
Sulva Sutras were connected to the
Shrauta Sutras, which laid down the
ritual prescriptions for these rites, of
which the preparation of the site was
an obvious necessity. Given the
premise that the sacrificewould be
unsuccessful unless it was performed
exactly right, such precise attention
to the altar’s construction seems a
necessary consequence.
Sumantra
In the Ramayana, the earlier of the two
great Indian epics, Sumantra is one of
the ministers of King Dasharatha, the
father of Rama. As Rama, his wife Sita,
and his brother Lakshmanaare going
into exile, Sumantra accompanies
them to the River Gangesto make sure
that the trio will comply with their
orders. When the three board the boat
on which the boatman Guhawill take
them over the river, Sumantra bids
Rama a tearful farewell.Sumati
In Hindu mythology, one of the wives of
King Sagar. Through a sage’s boon,
Sumati and her co-wife Keshini are
given a choice in the number of children
they would bear—one will bear a single
son through whom the lineage will con-
tinue, whereas the other will bear sixty
thousand sons who will die before they
have any offspring. Sumati chooses the
latter, and when her sixty thousand
handsome sons go out to search for
their father’s sacrificial horse, they are
burned to ash by the fury of the sage
Kapila. Although these sons die without
issue they still have a profound affect on
the world, since Keshini’s descendants
bring the River Gangesdown to earth to
bring peace to their souls.Sumitra
In the Ramayana, the earlier of the two
great Indian epics, Sumitra is one of the
three wives of King Dasharathaand the
mother of Rama’s half-brothers, the
twins Lakshmanaand Shatrughna. In
their fidelity and service to Rama, her
sons are important characters in the
epic, but aside from bearing them,
Sumitra has little importance.Sun
In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), a planet
generally associated with strength and
vitality, although it can be malevolent,
possibly reflecting the relentless
destructive power of the Indian sun. The
sun’s vitality makes it a strong planet,
and as in Western astrology the sun’s
position in the zodiacplays a major role
in fixing a person’s natal horoscopeSun