In the journey from Albedo (whitening) through Citrinitas (yellowing) to Rubedo (reddening), the alchemical practitioner undergoes profound transformations in their mode of being. These stages parallel the Buddhist concept of vehicles or yānas – the means by which we progress from conditional reality toward nirvana. Before exploring this synthesis of Eastern and Western wisdom, let us examine the foundational teaching on the Three Bodies (Trikāya) of the Buddha.
Understanding the Three Bodies
The Buddha’s teaching on the three bodies (Trikāya) presents us with a unified expression of enlightened being that manifests in three distinct ways. Unlike ordinary consciousness – fragmented between five senses, mind, self, and ālaya across three time periods – Buddhic awareness manifests as all-pervading equality and unity.
The dharmakāya represents truth-body, the ultimate state where no division or separation exists. For the Buddha, this all-pervading, timeless unity is the only reality. However, this unity appears differently depending on the observer’s level of realization:
Sambhogakāya (enjoyment-body): Manifests as thought and teaching for those with sufficient spiritual development – particularly bodhisattvas. It expresses the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom in forms accessible to advanced practitioners.
Nirmāṇakāya (emanation-body): The physical appearance and activities perceivable by ordinary beings. While the Buddha experiences only mirror-like wisdom, we interpret this as an aggregate of five sense consciousnesses, mind, and self.
The Alchemical Journey
The path of transformation moves through distinct phases:
The Lesser Vehicle
Initially, our focus remains personal – examining and dissolving the fetters binding us to saṃsāra. This corresponds to the alchemical stage of Albedo, where purification and personal liberation dominate. As Paracelsus noted: “Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines.”
The Greater Vehicle
Upon reaching the threshold of personal liberation (comparable to anāgāmi), the alchemist-practitioner faces a profound choice. This marks the transition to Citrinitas – the yellowing phase where wisdom ripens. The bodhisattva path emerges not as a mere decision but as the maturation of wisdom cultivated over many lifetimes.
The Return
The culminating stage – Rubedo – manifests when the practitioner chooses to “return to the Matrix” of conditional reality. This return springs not from personal motivation but from the recognition that despite the enormity of the task, service to others remains the only meaningful response to complete realization.
The tradition speaks of arahants either joining a holy order or passing away within seven days. This may reflect both the completion of those near death and the profound liberation that dissolves even the bonds of physical existence. For the alchemist-bodhisattva, however, the journey continues through the compassionate choice to remain engaged with the world.
Integration of the Bodies
While later traditions speak of fourth and fifth Buddha bodies, the essential teaching remains the threefold manifestation of enlightened activity. For practitioners, understanding these bodies offers a framework for understanding how enlightened awareness operates at different levels of realization.
The alchemist’s journey thus mirrors the Buddhist path – moving from personal purification through wisdom to compassionate action. At each stage, the manifestation of enlightened activity appears differently, yet all expressions emerge from the same undivided, mirror-like wisdom of complete realization.
Further Reading
- “The Three Bodies of the Buddha” – wikipedia
- “Buddhist Philosophy: Essential Readings” by William Edelglass
- “The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy for Personal Transformation” by Dennis William Hauck
- “Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism” by John Powers
- “Jung on Alchemy” by Nathan Schwartz-Salant
This fascinating exploration of spiritual alchemy comes from Dr. Simon Robinson’s third volume, “Citrinitas,” part of his groundbreaking series “A Course in Modern Alchemy.” The book delves deep into the yellowness phase of the alchemical opus, where the practitioner begins to experience profound shifts in consciousness and understanding.
In this illuminating volume, Dr. Robinson masterfully weaves together Buddhist concepts like the Trikāya (three bodies) with Western alchemical traditions, creating a practical framework for spiritual development. The book covers essential topics such as the Path of Tranquility, advanced meditation techniques, and the subtle transformations that occur as one progresses from Albedo (whiteness) to Citrinitas (yellowness). Particularly noteworthy is his treatment of Togal practices and the integration of Eastern and Western mystical traditions, making complex esoteric concepts accessible to the modern seeker.
While these excerpts offer valuable insights, the complete hardcover edition contains detailed illustrations, comprehensive appendices, and carefully structured chapters that guide readers through this transformative journey. The physical book serves as both a practical manual and a beautiful addition to any serious practitioner’s library, offering a tangible connection to these timeless teachings.