Week 6- Alchemy

I think of alchemy first as a branch of science, speaking of metals and stimulating a new form of medical chemistry. Not until these articles did I think of alchemy on more of a "spiritual" realm. I do like Cleary's translation when he states, "Now I will point out to you the true lead and the true mercury- they are body and mind. A wise teacher said, 'Body and mind are the medicine and fire." I think that is so beautiful! It is pretty amazing so many elements live inside of us. I also like alchemy compared to a yearning, and not forcing things to become what they ARE not.