An Astrologer from India
I am practising Indian Astrology for the last 40 years. I have done a lot of research on various Nativities in respect of Medical Astrology, Childlessness, Horary, etc.
Introduction to Indian Astrology
Astrology actually dates back from the origin of man, Indian Astrology is no exception. In India, Astrology is popularly known as Jyothissastra, meaning the science of light, primarily intending the Sun. The relevance of the Sun and the Moon is very important in India from time immemorial. Indians worshipped the Sun and are still worshipping it as God. It is emphasized in Vedas originated about 5000 years Before Christ (BC). The Vedas contain ample references to Astrology especially the Atharva Veda is almost full of it, used in the context of finding out auspicious times for starting good things etc. Even in scriptures came out during this period on
Sruthis (what is heard) and Smrithis (what is remembered) there were references of Astrology. How ever Vedanga Jyothisham or Vedic Astrology is supposed to be first written documents on Astrology in its ancient form in India.
Astrology and Astronomy went hand in hand in India for many millennia. There were sooth-sayers in India like the Oracle of Delphi. There were also learned and well renowned Astronomers in ancient India. Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Bhattolpala are a few among them. Some others though not studied Astrology as a vernal occupation dedicated their lives for the cause of Astrology and contributed precious and valuable information through their hard work and research on the subject. These people with very meagre resources they had and with their naked eyes identified the various planets and measured the distance to
them from the earth and found out their sizes and shapes. Their recordings when verified later with those found out with the help of telescopes invented by Galileo were accurate. They also predicted correctly the time of solar and lunar eclipses that are to come for many years as well.
Astrology, they proved, is an empirical science like that of Physics or Chemistry, thanks to the presence of the Sun, the Moon and the stars as typical and visible evidences. The tools to prove its veracity are very limited and handful, only the Sun, the Moon, the stars, the 12 signs and the 9 planets in all, which can not be brought into a test tube or a laboratory. They stand far away from the people. One can not touch and feel them, but their impact on us is tremendous and foretelling. In Indian Astrology 27 stars are used for delineation purpose. The difference in Western Astrology is that only one star, the Sun, is used there. The Dasha, Bhukthi, Antara based on the Moon is not taken into account in Western Astrology. It is given vital importance in Indian Astrology to find out the timing of events, exactly to the hour, minute and second of a happening.
In Indian Astrology the names of the 12 signs of the Zodiac came into existence 500 years BC. The names were assigned to each sign based on the shape of constellation each sign carried. For instance the shape of the constellation contained in the first sign of Zodiac was that of the head of a goat and therefore it was named after goat namely Mesha (Mesha means goat in Sanskrit). Similarly the second sign is Rishabha meaning Bull in Sanskrit and so on. There are many synonyms for each sign in Sanskrit. A small state Kerala in India took the names of their months for the signs to exactly fit in the Calendar Year. Kerala is also famous for well renowned astrologers especially among Namboodiri castes like Machattilayath, Puliyoor Purushothaman Namboodiri, the Astrologer of Pazhur Padippura and the like. The land of Kerala is very beautiful with its sweet rivers, evergreen forests, wild sanctuaries and a variety of loving and affectionate people in a part of the world blessed by nature in all respects.
There were hundreds of thousands of books in Astrology in ancient India. Originally most of them were written in palm leaves, chemically prepared for the purpose. Almost all books were written in Sanskrit. The most voluminous literature in the world namely Tantra is also written in Sanskrit. These books were later translated into many Indian and foreign languages and were spread throughout the world. Famous universities have copies of these books with them. The Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas (Sastras or science) Puranas, Ithihasas like Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Mahabhagavatha, Bhagavad Gita and many other books on Indology, depicting the culture and rich heritage of India and conveying the message of good will, peace, fraternity, moral principles and human values etc. were all printed originally in Sanskrit. Their manuscripts are even available in India in certain particular libraries.
The Astrologers of the yore in India found out truths full of significance to human life and relevant to modern times. Vedic Astrology truly gives more importance to stars. The ancient astrologers of India traditionally had deep knowledge in the subject. This tradition established that human beings acquire the temperaments of the powerful planets in their native charts. They found out that it is the influence of these planets that determines the personality of the human beings. Many of the medical discoveries in India are related to traditional Astrology. In olden days doctors in India were expert practitioners in Astrology as well and with the assistance of their knowledge in Astrology their treatment was most effective.
There are so many branches in Indian Astrology like Jathaka or Native Chart, Prasna or Horary, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Vana Nireekshana or Meteorology, Nashta Prasna or Missing persons or things, the affairs of Sanctum Sanctorum of temples and the like.
Indian Astrology is very sharp, because there is provision to go deep into the root cause of the matter since each sign and planet is divisible into 60-minute parts called the shashtyamsa. By studying these parts in detail the intricacies can be realized. Moreover the saptavarga and the ashtakavarga studies also reveal the manifold characteristics of various planets in detail. The planets are supposed to be hereditary transmitters from one generation to the other. Births and re-births are taken place to complete the cycle of life. The horoscope indicates the residues of the results of the deeds of the past births or karma phala. In this birth one will carry three sorts of karma, sanchitam that is stored from the past birth, prarabdham accumulating in this birth and aagami stored for the future. The doctrine of karma says so. When the karma phala is exhausted there will be no more births. The microcosm becomes one with the macrocosm, which is the materialization of life as if a drop of water becomes one with the sea.
In India, Astrology is considered to be the supreme knowledge granted to human being by the Gold Almighty. If it is not properly used it will become tantra virodha causing havoc in life. It should therefore be used only after deep study, dedication and full providence. The three time periods namely past, present and future are supposed to be the transcendence of time and space in Indian Astrology. It is therefore true knowledge. It is the path of eternal bliss. The conscious, unconscious and subconscious are contained in it. Old Indian sages say that no knowledge is complete with out the knowledge of Astrology. It is the most valuable possession human beings can have. Astrology can be used to cure diseases, to gain any knowledge, to make friends with any one and gain his intimacy, to answer questions, to lead healthier and happier life, to get through interviews, to negotiate successfully most difficult business deals, to determine the sex of a child, to gain wealth, to evaluate the position of stocks and shares, to win horse races, to speculate successfully and to lead a better and meaningful contented life. Astrology provides the basic human needs of food, shelter and companionship and above all an urge to create an orderly world governed by dependable rules and to develop a re-assuring structure of beliefs. Lastly one who understood Indian Astrology in its proper perspective attains Moksha or eternal liberation through which our Creator is realized to fulfill the purpose of our life.
Thank you, God bless you.
I would like to share some of my experiences as follows:
** Prepared several hundreds of Horoscopes/Nativity Charts and delineated them according to Indian Atrology.
** Conducted hundreds of Prasna/Horary in a most scientific manner.
** Studied Medical Astrology in detail. Accurately analyzed hundreds of cases of diseases.
** Handled Electional and Mundane Astrology in a fruitful way.
** Conducted "Deva Prasna", regarding Sanctum Sanctorums, in more than 500 temples.
** Studied in detail Gemology and successfully suggested gems for several people.
** Published varieties of articles (My First Prediction, A Prasna Session, Planets and Leagal Profession, Planets and Criminal Propensities, etc. to mention a few)
** in leading Astrological magazines and journals in India
** Conducted Group discussions on various topics (Horoscope Matching, Missing Persons, Lost Articles, Marriage and related Problems, Family Life, Health
** Education, Longevity, Old Age, Diseases of mind and body, Childhood, Unnatural births, etc.) in Astrology.
** Conducted several training programs (Fundamentals of Indian Astrology, Calulating and Analyzing Birth Charts, etc.) in Indian Astrology.
Please feel free to Counsel
Email me at nairradhakrishnan@hotmail.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
NAMA MAHATHMYAM
OHM Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya.
NAMA MAHATHMYAM
(Advantage of Namasankeerthan)
M.P.R.Nair.
At the outset, by ‘Namamahathmyam’, I mean the benefit or advantage of reciting God’ name. Namajapam, Namasankeerthan, Nagarasankeerthan, Bhajan etc. are quite familiar to us from time immemorial or from the origin of man, but it is a very great subject, not possible to cover exhaustively in a small article. I am attempting only to throw some light partly on the mahathmyam alone of reciting God’s name
The existence of the rich tradition of Namasankeerthan is well known in almost all parts of the world from very ancient times. Namasankeerthan is often done by devotees singing in congregation. Sankeerthan means singing keerthans or songs in a ‘samyak’ or most beautiful way. When this is done by walking through the streets of city or cities, it becomes Nagrasankeerthan. Bhajan includes divine songs, accompanied mostly by musical instruments of different varieties. Bhajan mutts or Bhajan halls are also common even today. Thank God, in these days the number of ‘Satsangs’ are also seen increasing day by day in various parts of the world. A Malayalam verse lays down the benefit of Satsang as follows:
‘Chitswaroopamarivaneluppamay satsangatholam nannalla mattonnum’,
that is, there is no good thing other than Satsang , for God-realization.
In temples we watch the performance of pooja, we meditate on the Deity, whereas in Sankeerthan or Bhajan, we fix our minds on the lord by singing His divine names, His ‘gunas’ or dispositions and His Leelas or Dvine plays. Bhajan has the unique feature of inculcating Bhakthi directly in people. Sometimes we may go in trance or weeping or crying like a small child or dance, often ignoring completely the surroundings. Bhakthi really means remembering always God. ‘Sadhakas’ by repeated ‘Sadhanas’, like repetition of God’s name and constant prayers with austerities in all its sanctity, become ‘Sidhas’. At that stage, God becomes the same as man. They have no desires. God is everywhere. Love leads the Devotees to God. Our Sanathana Dharma teaches us that there is Divinity in anything and everything. So, there is divinity in music and hence musical reciting will be more beautiful, emotional and exciting. The saying goes that ‘Manthramoolam gurorvakyam’, and hence it adds another premium of beauty, if we learn it from a Sat-Guru.
It reminds me here, though some personal, the opportunity of my family in having got Darshan of H.H. Sree Maharanyam Muraleedhara Swamiji of Madhurapuri Ashram, Madras. It was a quite unique experience that ever remain fresh in my memory. The Ashram was like Vrindavan, every inch of it was permeated with the sublime presence of the Lord. The place was exquisitely beautiful. It was almost surrounded by mountains. On one side of the Ashram, beautiful and healthy cows along with their sweet calves were seen grazing freely. It really defied description. The atmosphere echoed with sweet and melodious ‘Akhandanama Sankeerthan’. On the other side of the Ashram, we found Tulasi plants, like a little dense forest amidst various kinds of other flowerings plants. Reaching closer, devotees were seen reciting Hare Rama keerthan, while perambulating around a tall and shining lighted brass lamp, near a most beautiful and effulgent vigraha of Lord Krishna. Devotees were deeply immersed in singing the Lord’s name and playing musical instruments according to its tune, while walking. My joy and ecstasy knew no bounds; I felt that I was in some heavenly world. Unknowingly within seconds we were also in that stream of devotees, walking and singing His glorious names.
The Veda Patasala on one side of the Ashram, like that we heard of in ancient Nalanda and Thakshasila, attracts special attention. The Sanctum Sanctorum there, is known as ‘Namadwaar’, being followed in the same way as those of Chaithanya Maha Prabhuji of the 15th centuary. Swamiji has started many such Namadwaars at different places in various parts of India and they are all functioning perfectly well with increased attendance of devotees, day by day.
A long cherished desire of Swamiji was materialized here in America at Manvel, Houston, when the Mayor inaugurated the first Namadwaar, outside India on Sunday, 28th February, 2010. The Namadwaar is a power house of Divine Prayers, for universal peace and harmony by the manifestation of the power of Divinity in each individual through the very simple path of chanting the Divine Name. Prayers to the Almighty from time immemorial are most powerful; they will never go in vain. Prayers, powered by the Divine names, are extra ordinarily powerful. All our ancient scriptures extol this fact in unequivocal terms.
In ‘KaliSantharanopanishad’, writen about 5000 years ago, it is laid down that, at the end of Dwapara Yuga, When Brahmarshi Narada asked Lord Brahma, as to what could be done for salvation in Kaliyuga, Brahma gave Narada, the following mantra: (This is the one Swamiji uses in all his Namadwaars):-
“Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare,
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,”
and said that by the mere recital of this Mahamantra, consisting of 16 times the holy names of the Lord, man gets relieved from all the evils of Kaliyuga and that he could not find any other way to get-rid of the miseries, though he searched all the four Vedas. Sage Narada then asked Lord Brahma, ‘Lord, what are the rules to be observed for reciting this Mahamantra? ‘. In reply Lord Brahma said ‘There are no special rules to be observed for reciting this Mahamantra; it can be chanted by any one at any time, without regard to purity or impurity and anywhere and everywhere.
After giving us all Vedic Scriptures, Brahmarshi VedaVyasa said that he had searched all Sastras and finally found out that the very essence of all Sastras is to worship Lord Narayana, through Namasankeerthan, for real salvation. In this age of Kali many people are seen by nature knowledgeable but without character, hunting after pleasure without conscience, engaging in commerce without morality, using science without humanity, worshipping God without any sacrifice, impure of mind, engaged in politics without principles, gambling, drinking, illicit relations with women, falsehood, intoxication, passion, violence showing animosity, earning wealth without properly working, and thus committing real sins of the society, eventually ruining the human race and wasting the most sacred human birth. Namasankeerthan or chanting the names of God is the only way to reach the Supreme Lord, which is the ultimate aim of mankind.
To quote from our Puranas, a few examples stressing the importance of reciting God’s name:-
‘ Kalou kalmasha chithanaam papadravyopajeevanam,
Vidhi kreeya viheenam, gathir Govinda Keerthanam.’,
that is, Kali makes our mind poisonous, makes us living on polluted things and do rituals in an improper way using mean short-cuts, and therefore the only way out is to recite the names of Govinda to mitigate all evils.
Our Scripptures also tell us ;
‘Dhyanal krite; yanjai; tretayam; dwaparerarchanad,
Yadapnoti, tadapnoti, kalou sankeerthya Kesavam’, meaning,
for getting Salvation, meditation was the way in Krita Yugga or Satya Yuga; Yanja or sacrifice was the way in Treta Yuga; Archana or worshp of idols was done in Dwaapara Yuga. Namasankeerthan is the only way to achieve moksha in Kali Yuga. All our Scriptures exhort us for Namasankeerthan in this KaliYuga.
In the 11th Canto (ekadasa skanda) in Srimad Bhagavatha, it is written:
“Namasankeerthanam yasya, sarva papa pranashanam,
Pranamo dukha shamana: tam namami Harim param’. , that is,
prostrate unto that Supreme Power Sree Hari, the singing of whose Divine names, obliterates all sins, and paying respects to whom attenuates all the sorrows of the world. Namasankeerthanam causes inner transformation.
Bhagavat Gita re-iterates that Jnana is the highest state in life. As such, how can one attain the highest state by merely chanting the Lord’s Divine names? Our Swamiji answers the question simply quoting from the Gita itself as;
‘Swalpamalpasya dharmasya, trayate mahato bhayat’, meaning;
even if you perform the smallest Dharma, I will protect you from the worst fear. Smallest dharma is really Namasankeerthan, and ignorance or ajnana, is the worst fear. Annihilation of anjana is verily, Jnana.
In Adhyatma Ramayana by Ezhuthachan, Sutheekshna Muni, the best disciple of Rishi Agasthya, tells Rama, when asked what boon he wants from him;
‘Mutteedum bhakthya nin namamucharikkayeedanam.
Mattoruvaramapekshikkunnenillapotti’ ………………..meaning,
he wants nothing except the blessings for reciting His name with the deepest devotion in mind
devotion in mind.
Bhakthakavi Poonthanam, sings in his famous ‘Jnanappana:
‘Sakthikoodathe namangaleppozhum, bhaktipoondu japikkanam nammude,
Sidhakalam kazhivolameevannam, sradhayode vasikkanamevarum..’
Here, ‘Japa’, is made of two letters, ‘ja’ and ‘pa’,
‘Jakaro janma vischeda: pakara: papanashanam’;
‘ja’ stands for liberation or moksha and ‘pa’ stands for obliteration of all sins. Thus, Japa atonce removes our sins and makes us free from janmas.
Poonthanam continues:
‘Bhaktitannil muzhuki chamanjudan , mathaneppole nrutham kuthikkanam,
Parilingane sancharicheedumbol, prabdangalasheshamozhinjupom’. , meaning
shortly, the japa of God’s name without any hesitation, will help us to get-rid of all our difficulties in life.
All famous Philosophies of great Sages like that of Madhvacharya, Ramanujacharya, Sankaracharya, Sri Vallabhacharya, etc. teach us the importance of reciting Nama or God’s name. God is love and our hearts should abound in unconditional Supreme Love for God. We should believe in God, as a fish believe in water. Only complete surrender to God is the way to realize the fullness and grandeur of His love. God is the only reality; the only Truth. He is atonce transcendent and immanent. One cannot but sing His glory, because we are all parts of the God - individual units of microcosms of the huge, voluminous and indefinable Macrocosm. The Supreme Power is Brahman, the Paramatma, and it is infinite. We are jeevatmas, the infinitesimals; the relation is like that of an ocean and a drop of water, thereof. If Brahman is fire, jeevatma is a spark, therein. The union of jeevatma with Paramatma or the Jeevatma-Paramatma aikyam, or Pindandam merging with Brhmandam or the Microcosm becoming one with the Microcosm, is the ultimate aim of our birth and it will be repeated until the last life exists.
Only God, the Supreme Truth is perennial; everything else is ephemeral. Sanathana Dharma, the perennial wisdom, makes it clear to us. We should try to concentrate on things which last long, for only it could give us permanent joy. So, we should concentrate on God. The higher the soul evolves the more spiritual the understanding becomes, until rapport with the Divine Spirit is attained. This is atonement and it makes a man perfect.
Jeevatma is chained to the earth by Karma and when karma ceases to exist the soul or jeevatma gets liberated. Karma is the law of consequences – of merit and demerit. Karma depends on Character. When we change our Character, we change our Karma. When character is lost, everything is lost. Character, in its turn, depends on habits. Good habits should be cultivated from the very childhood. For making easily eligible to be loved by God, we must remain grateful, humble, patient, generous, show response, be motivating, be brave in all our actions, be disciplined in prosperity, spread good ideas, fetch name, fame and reputation to the family and to the country by dedication to work, be intuitive, and also have patience, persistence, perseverance, and providence.
Sri Bhagavannama Bodhendra Swamiji says, “The ever blissful Supreme Lord, out of compassion for the welfare of the world, took up various forms such as Sri Vishnu, Sri Siva etc. Feeling that these forms alone will not suffice for redemption of the world, He also became the Divine Names, such as ‘Hari’ Shambhu’ etc., and is ever alive in theses names. Divine Namas are not mere names. Like the Deities, they are also verily the Lord, the ‘wordy idols’. Nama possesses all the powers of the Lord. There is no better boat than the recital of God’s name, to help us cross over the troubled ocean of life. Ajamila, the horrible sinner, as laid down in Srimad Bhagavatha, was purified and taken to Heaven, by the messengers of Lord Vishnu, when he uttered ‘Narayana’, through calling his own son.
Of all the wisdom so far I have gained, I tell you truly that the most important one is the knowledge about the mahathmya of Namasankeerthan, that we rarely recognize or appreciate until it has been depleted. So, make your decision to grab this precious moment in joy, faith and thankfulness to God, and chant:
“Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare,
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,”
and count your many blessings instead of your blemishes, right from now onwards. In the beat of a heart, let this moment remain in history, as the most auspicious occasion to know how to commune with God.
May God bless all.
Jai Hind; 17th March 2010.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
SANATHANA DHARMA, yet another perspective.
Little Introduction:
The entire edifice of Indian philosophical thought, known as ‘Sanathana Dharma’ is founded firmly on Vedas. It is the perennial wisdom of ages. Vedas are the original Scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of our life, also for the mankind in general. They can be really supposed to be the basic constitution of all religions. Humans did not compose it and hence it is known as ‘apourusheya’. They have stood the test of time. ‘Veda’ means wisdom, knowledge or vision. The laws of Vedas regulate the social, legal, domestic, and religious customs of the Hindus to the present day. All the obligatory duties of the Hindus at birth, marriage, death etc. owe their allegiance to the Vedas. The Vedas are mainly compiled by Vyasa Krishna Dwaipayana around the time of Lord Krishna.
Sanathana Dharma, embracing Vedas, draw forth the thought of successive generation of thinkers, and so from time to time according as the situation demands, essential things are added on to it, unnecessary things are made obsolete from it and requisite modifications suitable to the time are brought to it periodically to keep it always new, fresh and most useful to man, without even any damage to its pristine glory. It is handed down through generations by the word of mouth from time immemorial by ‘Mantradrashtas’ or Rishis of the yore, as ordained. It is very strong and everlasting. No one can destroy it. Since it is intended for the well being of all people on the mother Earth, hopefully one day the whole world will accept it, irrespective of caste, creed or color, as a panacea. If the world is to live in peace and prosperity, it is also absolutely essential to propagate and cherish Sanathana Dharma. I believe that as long as Sanathana Dharma is there, nothing will happen to Hinduism, whatever may be done against it by anyone, since they are one and the same. We need not worry much about that, provided we trust, imbibe and follow its doctrines strictly, and put it into practice truly, sincerely and with dedication.
Sanathana Dharma has numerous connotations. Literally Sanathana Dharma may mean eternal righteousness. It is really Vedic Dharma. Dharma denotes duty. Dharma also means virtues, righteousness, natural laws, giving alms, sa`th etc. There is also a famous axiom, ‘Dharmo rakshathi, rakshitha’, meaning, one who protects Dharma, is protected by Dharma. “Ahinmsā Paramo Dharma”, meaning, non-violence is the chief of all Dharmas. Any type of cruelty is also considered as Adharma. ‘Dharmam chara’ is used to mean Practice righteousness -- act according to your Dharma. Now, Dharma is a complex word with innumerable meanings.
Sanathana Dharma is a perennial philosophy. It is supposed to be the breath of Lord, and hence it is natural and ubiquitous and hence people who love Sanathana Dharma, love nature also. It extols love towards God and hence it is Supreme Dharma, by which the heart of man achieves his highest welfare. It is Eternal Faith. It embodies all ancient Hindu Scriptures, and it is Vaidika Dharma, embracing Vedic injunctions. Though it is very vast and exhaustive, at the core of Sanathana Dharma, we can find four fundamental doctrines to follow, namely:-
1. The entire phenomenal world –the perceptible universe – Drshya Prapancham, with all its diversities consisting of every animate and inanimate object of creation, is only the manifestation of ONE single Divine Ground, known as BRAHMAN, and apart from that they are all nonexistent.
2. Human beings can, not only acquire knowledge about this Divine Ground by study of Scriptures, observation, reasoning and inference, but can also realize its existence by a direct communion with it through contemplation and meditation.
3. Man possesses a double nature of which one is a phenomenal ego confined to the body, mind and intellect, and the other is higher Ego, which is the Eternal Self, surpassing the limitations of all earthly concepts of self-identification. It is possible for man through spiritual practice, and Divine Grace through Guru’s blessings, to realize his identity with the Supreme Eternal Self, the BRAHMAN.
4. Man’s life on earth has only one end and purpose; and that is to realize his identity with the Eternal self and thus attain the undivided, unitive knowledge of the Divine ground –BRAHMAN, and act accordingly.
BRAHMAN is the only one Scientific Supreme Truth and it forms the Akhanda (Infinite), Nithya, Sathya, Shudha, Budha, Mugdha Swaroopa or the Omniscient and Omnipotent.
The word ‘BRAHMA’ literally means ‘to grow’ or ‘to expand’ or ‘swell’. Adi Shankara puts it as the quintessence of his philosophy: “BRAHMA SATHYAM; JAGAT MITHYA, JIVO BRAHMAIVA NA APARAH”- Brahman (the Absolute) is alone real; this world is unreal; and the Jiva or the Individual soul, is non-different from Brahman. The forces opposed to Vedic Dharma were more numerous and powerful at the time of Adi Shankara than they are today. We owe him so much on that account, because without him Vedas would have remained inaccessible to us. BRAHMAN is not an object, it is the Subject- the only Subject and the Essence. It is constituted by Sat-Chit-Ananda; Sat, that which exists eternally; Chit, is the light of knowledge; and Ananda is bliss. This is precisely the true nature of our spirit.
The electro-magnetic waves of the Scriptures contained in Sanathana Dharma are helping all of us, in our day today life, knowingly or unknowingly to a great extent in making improvements in various fields of our lives individually, physically, mentally and spiritually. Sanathana Dharma is really meant for all and it is above religion; it envisages that every individual should attain the Self and thus bring about the welfare of humanity. It is beautifully depicted in Manusmrthy that we should handle Sanathana Dharma, little delicately aswell:
“satyam bruyat priyam bruyat na bruyat satyam apriyam
Priyam ca nanrutam bruyat esha dharmah sanatanah”, meaning:
All that you speak must be truth, but you do not have to say all that is true. Speak truth in such a way that it should be pleasing to others. Never speak truth, which is unpleasant to others. This is the path of eternal morality or Sanatana Dharma.
All Scriptures of other religions put together will come to only half of the Scriptures in Sanathana Dharma. Approximately 1280 foundation books are there, in hundreds of languages, with more than 10,000 commentaries, and more than one lakh of sub-commentaries. The Scriptures therein, reveal 330 million gods, hundreds of thousands of Rishis and a huge variety of ‘acharas’, rituals etc, among many other precious gems of axioms, aswell.
Jai Hind,
God Bless America.
The entire edifice of Indian philosophical thought, known as ‘Sanathana Dharma’ is founded firmly on Vedas. It is the perennial wisdom of ages. Vedas are the original Scriptures of Hindu teachings, and contain spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of our life, also for the mankind in general. They can be really supposed to be the basic constitution of all religions. Humans did not compose it and hence it is known as ‘apourusheya’. They have stood the test of time. ‘Veda’ means wisdom, knowledge or vision. The laws of Vedas regulate the social, legal, domestic, and religious customs of the Hindus to the present day. All the obligatory duties of the Hindus at birth, marriage, death etc. owe their allegiance to the Vedas. The Vedas are mainly compiled by Vyasa Krishna Dwaipayana around the time of Lord Krishna.
Sanathana Dharma, embracing Vedas, draw forth the thought of successive generation of thinkers, and so from time to time according as the situation demands, essential things are added on to it, unnecessary things are made obsolete from it and requisite modifications suitable to the time are brought to it periodically to keep it always new, fresh and most useful to man, without even any damage to its pristine glory. It is handed down through generations by the word of mouth from time immemorial by ‘Mantradrashtas’ or Rishis of the yore, as ordained. It is very strong and everlasting. No one can destroy it. Since it is intended for the well being of all people on the mother Earth, hopefully one day the whole world will accept it, irrespective of caste, creed or color, as a panacea. If the world is to live in peace and prosperity, it is also absolutely essential to propagate and cherish Sanathana Dharma. I believe that as long as Sanathana Dharma is there, nothing will happen to Hinduism, whatever may be done against it by anyone, since they are one and the same. We need not worry much about that, provided we trust, imbibe and follow its doctrines strictly, and put it into practice truly, sincerely and with dedication.
Sanathana Dharma has numerous connotations. Literally Sanathana Dharma may mean eternal righteousness. It is really Vedic Dharma. Dharma denotes duty. Dharma also means virtues, righteousness, natural laws, giving alms, sa`th etc. There is also a famous axiom, ‘Dharmo rakshathi, rakshitha’, meaning, one who protects Dharma, is protected by Dharma. “Ahinmsā Paramo Dharma”, meaning, non-violence is the chief of all Dharmas. Any type of cruelty is also considered as Adharma. ‘Dharmam chara’ is used to mean Practice righteousness -- act according to your Dharma. Now, Dharma is a complex word with innumerable meanings.
Sanathana Dharma is a perennial philosophy. It is supposed to be the breath of Lord, and hence it is natural and ubiquitous and hence people who love Sanathana Dharma, love nature also. It extols love towards God and hence it is Supreme Dharma, by which the heart of man achieves his highest welfare. It is Eternal Faith. It embodies all ancient Hindu Scriptures, and it is Vaidika Dharma, embracing Vedic injunctions. Though it is very vast and exhaustive, at the core of Sanathana Dharma, we can find four fundamental doctrines to follow, namely:-
1. The entire phenomenal world –the perceptible universe – Drshya Prapancham, with all its diversities consisting of every animate and inanimate object of creation, is only the manifestation of ONE single Divine Ground, known as BRAHMAN, and apart from that they are all nonexistent.
2. Human beings can, not only acquire knowledge about this Divine Ground by study of Scriptures, observation, reasoning and inference, but can also realize its existence by a direct communion with it through contemplation and meditation.
3. Man possesses a double nature of which one is a phenomenal ego confined to the body, mind and intellect, and the other is higher Ego, which is the Eternal Self, surpassing the limitations of all earthly concepts of self-identification. It is possible for man through spiritual practice, and Divine Grace through Guru’s blessings, to realize his identity with the Supreme Eternal Self, the BRAHMAN.
4. Man’s life on earth has only one end and purpose; and that is to realize his identity with the Eternal self and thus attain the undivided, unitive knowledge of the Divine ground –BRAHMAN, and act accordingly.
BRAHMAN is the only one Scientific Supreme Truth and it forms the Akhanda (Infinite), Nithya, Sathya, Shudha, Budha, Mugdha Swaroopa or the Omniscient and Omnipotent.
The word ‘BRAHMA’ literally means ‘to grow’ or ‘to expand’ or ‘swell’. Adi Shankara puts it as the quintessence of his philosophy: “BRAHMA SATHYAM; JAGAT MITHYA, JIVO BRAHMAIVA NA APARAH”- Brahman (the Absolute) is alone real; this world is unreal; and the Jiva or the Individual soul, is non-different from Brahman. The forces opposed to Vedic Dharma were more numerous and powerful at the time of Adi Shankara than they are today. We owe him so much on that account, because without him Vedas would have remained inaccessible to us. BRAHMAN is not an object, it is the Subject- the only Subject and the Essence. It is constituted by Sat-Chit-Ananda; Sat, that which exists eternally; Chit, is the light of knowledge; and Ananda is bliss. This is precisely the true nature of our spirit.
The electro-magnetic waves of the Scriptures contained in Sanathana Dharma are helping all of us, in our day today life, knowingly or unknowingly to a great extent in making improvements in various fields of our lives individually, physically, mentally and spiritually. Sanathana Dharma is really meant for all and it is above religion; it envisages that every individual should attain the Self and thus bring about the welfare of humanity. It is beautifully depicted in Manusmrthy that we should handle Sanathana Dharma, little delicately aswell:
“satyam bruyat priyam bruyat na bruyat satyam apriyam
Priyam ca nanrutam bruyat esha dharmah sanatanah”, meaning:
All that you speak must be truth, but you do not have to say all that is true. Speak truth in such a way that it should be pleasing to others. Never speak truth, which is unpleasant to others. This is the path of eternal morality or Sanatana Dharma.
All Scriptures of other religions put together will come to only half of the Scriptures in Sanathana Dharma. Approximately 1280 foundation books are there, in hundreds of languages, with more than 10,000 commentaries, and more than one lakh of sub-commentaries. The Scriptures therein, reveal 330 million gods, hundreds of thousands of Rishis and a huge variety of ‘acharas’, rituals etc, among many other precious gems of axioms, aswell.
Jai Hind,
God Bless America.
Who is the Right Guru ?
Who is the right Guru? What is a Guru for? Is a Guru compulsory? When does one seek a Guru? How to get a Guru? How to identify the right Guru? What can we do until we get the right Guru?
At the outset, these questions baffled me very much and I think there would be many like me. By Guru, I mean ‘Atmeeya Guru’ or a Spiritual Master. In the present day world, we could see around us different types of people,: some of them handling politics without principles, some amassing wealth without work, some hunting after pleasures without conscience, some others earning knowledge without character, yet others engaged in commerce without morality, a few handling science without humanity, and a few others worshiping God without any sacrifice I think it is all mainly because of the absence of a right Guru for them for proper guidance. It is equally true that it is very hard to find the right Guru, because the fake Gurus are proliferating themselves almost every day. However, let us try to explore various avenues to find out the qualities of a Sat- Guru (The best Spiritual Master) and wait patiently to meet him, if it is so ordained.
Who is a Guru?
Guru is a Sanskrit word, literally meaning a teacher. Scholars say:
“Gukaraschandhakarasthu, rukarasthannirodhakrit;
Andhakaravinasitwad, gururithyabhidheeyate”… That is:
‘Gu’ means ‘andhakara’or darkness, symbolizing ignorance and ‘Ru’ means, ‘nirodha’ or destruction of that darkness; Guru removes the darkness of ignorance and hence he is called Guru. Guru is like a lamp burning in full effulgence.
A Guru is also supposed to be a great Aacharya. An Aaacharya is :
“aachinothihi: sastrani, aachare stapayityapi;
Swayamacharate tasmad, aacharyathyabhidheeyate”, means:
He who knows the meaning of Sastras or Science, establishes them with the help of rituals and he himself adapts them as such in his life, for the service of the entire humanity and to the inhabitants of the world, at large, is called an Aacharya.
The Scriptures say that a man in whom we find manifestations of qualities, belonging to God, such as purity, sublimity, nobility, loftiness of conduct, character, nature, thought, feeling, and action, can be said to be a Guru in Vedic parlance. He is considered as ‘Prathyaksha Devata’ or visible God. God reveals Himself through Guru. He is a self-realized Soul. Saint Adi Sankara, Saint Ramanuja, Madhavacharya, Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sree Ramana Maharshi etc. are some typical examples.
What is a Guru for? Is a Guru Compulsory?
We need a teacher to learn something in a better and proper manner. For instance to learn mathematics well, we need a teacher. Why then we do not have a teacher for learning Yoga and Meditation, which help us develop mentally, physically and spiritually, aswell. Why do students go to Universities for specialized studies when they can study at home? It is to get expert teaching in proper perspective in those subjects. As every rule admits exceptions, a Guru need not be a high scholar for example, Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sree Ramana Maharshi, became Mahatmas without passing through any academic courses.
When does one seek a Guru?
God is in every body, but to know his sublime presence within, we have to keep open our inner eyes. It is here that a Spiritual Guru is inevitable with his immeasurable help. A Guru really is the path to God. He encourages the seeker and inspires him. If you have supreme devotion to God, and the same kind of devotion to your Guru, then the essence and subtle truths of Scriptures are revealed to you in due course. When you become extremely advanced, you need no help from anybody else to realize the presence of God. The only thing is that the time taken for this may vary from person to person, depending on his persistence, perseverance, providence, and dedication to attain Guru kripa or mercy of his Guru.
Who is the right Guru?
The most important thing a Spiritual Master does for us is to make us consciously aware of something vast and infinite within ourselves, which is nothing other than God himself. Only a Sat-Guru can do this for us.
“na twaham kamaye rajyam, na swargam na punarbhavam;
Kamaye d:ukha taptanam, praninam aarti nasanam” means:
He doesn’t crave for kingdom, or heaven, or rebirth; all he craves for is only the removal of the sufferings of people. We will enjoy ‘Brhmanandam’, a kind of ecstasy of extreme bliss, when we remember the real Guru, for he is our ‘Atma Swaroopa’ or the same form as our soul, and ‘Jnana Moorthy’, or the embodiment of ultimate knowledge. Guru facilitates our inner spiritual urge and progress. He is our private tutor in Spiritual Life. He teaches us what we need to know and help our soul to evolve to the next level. He can inspire us and increase our aspirations so that we can begin to realize the highest and noble things of divine nature. We can attain God’s grace by efforts through a real Guru. He is invested in his Sishya or Student. Our visit to Guru brings transformation in us and unless and until you become a ‘Jnani’, or one with applied and ultimate knowledge, you cannot recognize a Jnani, in full. One devoid of ‘Jnana’, cannot possess divinity. The higher the soul evolves, the more spiritual the understanding becomes until perfect rapport with the Divine Spirit is attained. This is atonement, which makes a man perfect. The fact is that if you have true and full faith in your Sat-Guru, he can even change your fate.
How to get and recognize a Guru?
A real Guru may not be so smooth to you. At first you may feel disturbed in mind before him. But, something will attract you towards him and you will wish to be with him. Sometimes, he may not be so friendly to you in words and deeds. The practice is that you don’t look for a Guru. When you suffer from the pain of ignorance and when your mind earnestly and sincerely urges for a Spiritual Master, he will come to you, or you will be called to him. Some people believe that it is ‘poorva-janma punyas’ or good deeds transmitted from your past life that bring a Guru into your present life. Majority seems to support the former view. Sometimes you will try to move away from him, but you cannot. There will be something in you that will keep you closer to him like a magnet; the less ego, the more attraction. The dignity of the presence of a Guru, makes us to offer it to him freely and without any inhibition. A Sat-Guru’s life will be his message and he leads by example. He is often to us like a mother.
What can we do until we get the right Guru?
Here comes the Bhagavatha Dharma or the principles for doing the righteous things in our life, for our help.
Srimad Bhagavatam lays down:
“ Narayana, Akhila Guro Namasthe”, meaning,
Oh! Lord Narayana, you are the Akhila Guru or the Guru of all Gurus, and we bow to you.
All the other Gurus only come under you. But, we cannot see the Lord in person to ask a boon, or any blessings or guidance. But the Lord also protects Bhagavata Dharma, which shows the path to God, for even to the down-trodden and to all sinners of the world, aswell. Vaideeka Dharma (Rituals) is very strict in its discipline. It earmarks hell, as the punishment for people who do not follow the Scriptures in the way in which they are prescribed. . In Srimad Bhagavatham, the Lord says that it is only pardonable if mistakes creep in unknowingly while reading it. The Lord is so merciful. Srimad Bhagavatham itself is supposed to be the Lord. We can find there in, answers to almost all our questions relating to our day to day affairs of life, provided we dig some deep. So, we can unequivocally accept Srimad Bhagavatham as our ‘Akhila Guru’, until we get a Guru in person, and let us wait for it hopefully with unconditional love to God, Almighty, through dedicated ‘Narayana Seva.’
Jai Hind'
God Bless America.
At the outset, these questions baffled me very much and I think there would be many like me. By Guru, I mean ‘Atmeeya Guru’ or a Spiritual Master. In the present day world, we could see around us different types of people,: some of them handling politics without principles, some amassing wealth without work, some hunting after pleasures without conscience, some others earning knowledge without character, yet others engaged in commerce without morality, a few handling science without humanity, and a few others worshiping God without any sacrifice I think it is all mainly because of the absence of a right Guru for them for proper guidance. It is equally true that it is very hard to find the right Guru, because the fake Gurus are proliferating themselves almost every day. However, let us try to explore various avenues to find out the qualities of a Sat- Guru (The best Spiritual Master) and wait patiently to meet him, if it is so ordained.
Who is a Guru?
Guru is a Sanskrit word, literally meaning a teacher. Scholars say:
“Gukaraschandhakarasthu, rukarasthannirodhakrit;
Andhakaravinasitwad, gururithyabhidheeyate”… That is:
‘Gu’ means ‘andhakara’or darkness, symbolizing ignorance and ‘Ru’ means, ‘nirodha’ or destruction of that darkness; Guru removes the darkness of ignorance and hence he is called Guru. Guru is like a lamp burning in full effulgence.
A Guru is also supposed to be a great Aacharya. An Aaacharya is :
“aachinothihi: sastrani, aachare stapayityapi;
Swayamacharate tasmad, aacharyathyabhidheeyate”, means:
He who knows the meaning of Sastras or Science, establishes them with the help of rituals and he himself adapts them as such in his life, for the service of the entire humanity and to the inhabitants of the world, at large, is called an Aacharya.
The Scriptures say that a man in whom we find manifestations of qualities, belonging to God, such as purity, sublimity, nobility, loftiness of conduct, character, nature, thought, feeling, and action, can be said to be a Guru in Vedic parlance. He is considered as ‘Prathyaksha Devata’ or visible God. God reveals Himself through Guru. He is a self-realized Soul. Saint Adi Sankara, Saint Ramanuja, Madhavacharya, Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sree Ramana Maharshi etc. are some typical examples.
What is a Guru for? Is a Guru Compulsory?
We need a teacher to learn something in a better and proper manner. For instance to learn mathematics well, we need a teacher. Why then we do not have a teacher for learning Yoga and Meditation, which help us develop mentally, physically and spiritually, aswell. Why do students go to Universities for specialized studies when they can study at home? It is to get expert teaching in proper perspective in those subjects. As every rule admits exceptions, a Guru need not be a high scholar for example, Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sree Ramana Maharshi, became Mahatmas without passing through any academic courses.
When does one seek a Guru?
God is in every body, but to know his sublime presence within, we have to keep open our inner eyes. It is here that a Spiritual Guru is inevitable with his immeasurable help. A Guru really is the path to God. He encourages the seeker and inspires him. If you have supreme devotion to God, and the same kind of devotion to your Guru, then the essence and subtle truths of Scriptures are revealed to you in due course. When you become extremely advanced, you need no help from anybody else to realize the presence of God. The only thing is that the time taken for this may vary from person to person, depending on his persistence, perseverance, providence, and dedication to attain Guru kripa or mercy of his Guru.
Who is the right Guru?
The most important thing a Spiritual Master does for us is to make us consciously aware of something vast and infinite within ourselves, which is nothing other than God himself. Only a Sat-Guru can do this for us.
“na twaham kamaye rajyam, na swargam na punarbhavam;
Kamaye d:ukha taptanam, praninam aarti nasanam” means:
He doesn’t crave for kingdom, or heaven, or rebirth; all he craves for is only the removal of the sufferings of people. We will enjoy ‘Brhmanandam’, a kind of ecstasy of extreme bliss, when we remember the real Guru, for he is our ‘Atma Swaroopa’ or the same form as our soul, and ‘Jnana Moorthy’, or the embodiment of ultimate knowledge. Guru facilitates our inner spiritual urge and progress. He is our private tutor in Spiritual Life. He teaches us what we need to know and help our soul to evolve to the next level. He can inspire us and increase our aspirations so that we can begin to realize the highest and noble things of divine nature. We can attain God’s grace by efforts through a real Guru. He is invested in his Sishya or Student. Our visit to Guru brings transformation in us and unless and until you become a ‘Jnani’, or one with applied and ultimate knowledge, you cannot recognize a Jnani, in full. One devoid of ‘Jnana’, cannot possess divinity. The higher the soul evolves, the more spiritual the understanding becomes until perfect rapport with the Divine Spirit is attained. This is atonement, which makes a man perfect. The fact is that if you have true and full faith in your Sat-Guru, he can even change your fate.
How to get and recognize a Guru?
A real Guru may not be so smooth to you. At first you may feel disturbed in mind before him. But, something will attract you towards him and you will wish to be with him. Sometimes, he may not be so friendly to you in words and deeds. The practice is that you don’t look for a Guru. When you suffer from the pain of ignorance and when your mind earnestly and sincerely urges for a Spiritual Master, he will come to you, or you will be called to him. Some people believe that it is ‘poorva-janma punyas’ or good deeds transmitted from your past life that bring a Guru into your present life. Majority seems to support the former view. Sometimes you will try to move away from him, but you cannot. There will be something in you that will keep you closer to him like a magnet; the less ego, the more attraction. The dignity of the presence of a Guru, makes us to offer it to him freely and without any inhibition. A Sat-Guru’s life will be his message and he leads by example. He is often to us like a mother.
What can we do until we get the right Guru?
Here comes the Bhagavatha Dharma or the principles for doing the righteous things in our life, for our help.
Srimad Bhagavatam lays down:
“ Narayana, Akhila Guro Namasthe”, meaning,
Oh! Lord Narayana, you are the Akhila Guru or the Guru of all Gurus, and we bow to you.
All the other Gurus only come under you. But, we cannot see the Lord in person to ask a boon, or any blessings or guidance. But the Lord also protects Bhagavata Dharma, which shows the path to God, for even to the down-trodden and to all sinners of the world, aswell. Vaideeka Dharma (Rituals) is very strict in its discipline. It earmarks hell, as the punishment for people who do not follow the Scriptures in the way in which they are prescribed. . In Srimad Bhagavatham, the Lord says that it is only pardonable if mistakes creep in unknowingly while reading it. The Lord is so merciful. Srimad Bhagavatham itself is supposed to be the Lord. We can find there in, answers to almost all our questions relating to our day to day affairs of life, provided we dig some deep. So, we can unequivocally accept Srimad Bhagavatham as our ‘Akhila Guru’, until we get a Guru in person, and let us wait for it hopefully with unconditional love to God, Almighty, through dedicated ‘Narayana Seva.’
Jai Hind'
God Bless America.
Friday, September 11, 2009
OHM
Vedic Astrology
Vedic Astrology or Vedanga Jyotisha is Jyothissastra or Jyotish in short in Sanskrit. Earliest mention of Vedic astrology comes in the Vedas, originated more than 5000 years before Christ, preceded by details of this Divine Science supposed as being revealed by Lord Siva to his Spouse Goddess Parvati. According to many others, Vedic Astrology was revealed to mankind by Lord Brahma who in his infinite wisdom is the only God amongst Gods and humans to truly know the future. Vedic Astrology cannot be taken on any level other than the level of Vedanta, since it contains the quintessence of the Philosophies of the entire world. The signs of the stars give prophesies and presages. They point out the force of supernatural things, and put forth true judgments and disclosure.
Vedanta is one of the world's most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds. Vedanta came from ‘Veda’ (Knowledge) and ‘Anta’ (the end or goal). Knowledge here means God; so Vedanta is the search for God or search for self-realization. According to Vedanta, God is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss. The term for this impersonal, transcendent reality is Brahman, the divine ground of being. Yet Vedanta also maintains that God can be personal as well, immanent and assuming human form in every stage. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature. Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: "Truth is one, Sages call it by various names." The world's religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization. The conflicting messages we find among religions are due more to doctrine and dogma than to the reality of spiritual experience. While dissimilarities exist in the external observances of the world religions, the internals bear remarkable similarities. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.
The four Vedas of the earliest Sanskrit hymns and verses are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda contains plenty of references to Jyotish, used in the context of finding out auspicious times for starting rituals etc. The ancient Hindu Scriptures, accepted as Sanatana Dharma or Vaidika Dharma, considered as the breath of the Lord and comprising the greatest and voluminous literature in the whole world, in the form of Sruti or revelations, Smriti, Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Tantrs, Puranas, Ithihasas and the like, extol the importance of Jyotish, in them. However Vedic Astrology or Vedanga Jyotish is supposed to be the first written documents on Astrology in its ancient form in India. Sanatana Dharma is not for any particular religion, it is for every one of us, irrespective of caste, creed, color or age. Knowingly or unknowingly, we followed many of its norms and we are still following them, and we will follow in future, for our well being. Most famous modern Philosophers and writers are seen endorsing its prospects and hopefully if followed, I feel certain that it may gradually fill the void of spiritual bankruptcy and one of its consequent results of recession, aswell.
Vedic Astrology helps to resolve doubts concerning children, health, spiritual growth, and other subjects. Suggestions regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras, yantras (mystic diagrams), and rituals are integral parts of the system. As all Astrological studies are based on Astronomy, Vedic Astrology was also based on Astronomy. Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Bhattolpala, Jaimini etc., are a few among the world renowned Astronomers, dealt with Astrology also, in ancient India. Some others though not famous Astronomers, dedicated their lives for the cause of Astrology and contributed precious and valuable information through their hard work and research on the subject. These people with the meager resources they had, and with their naked eyes identified the various planets and measured the distance to them from the earth and found out their sizes and shapes. Their recordings when verified later with those found out with the help of telescopes invented by Galileo were exact and accurate. They predicted correctly the time of solar and lunar eclipses that are to come for many hundreds of years ahead, aswell.
Vedic Astrology is very sharp, because there is provision to go deep into the root cause of the matter since each sign and planet is divisible into 60-minute parts called the shashtyamsa. By studying these minute parts in detail the intricacies can be realized. Moreover the saptavarga and the ashtakavarga studies also reveal the manifold characteristics of various planets in detail. The planets are supposed to be hereditary transmitters from one generation to the other. Births and re-births are taken place to complete the cycle of life. The horoscope indicates the residues of the results of the deeds of the past births or ‘karma phala’. In this birth one will carry three sorts of karma, sanchitam, that is stored from the past birth, prarabdham, accumulating in this birth and agami stored for the future. The doctrine of karma says so. When the karma phala is exhausted there will be no more births. The microcosm becomes one with the macrocosm, which is the materialization of life as if a drop of water becomes one with the sea.
Amongst other amazing aspects of Vedic Astrology, the most impressive one is the Dasa System or the periods and duration of planetary cycles in human life (exclusive to Hindu Astrology) where predetermined periods are designated to the nine planets and a detailed interpretation is available at birth. The interpretation of Nakshtra or constellation of stars, is the most superior and sophisticated method of analysis. Vedic system is also the only reliable system to offer remedial measures to the adversities of malefic planets, some of which are mentioned even in the Atharva Veda. Vedic Astrology covers Karmic, Spiritual and Materialistic aspects of one's entire life with the timing of events. It is s really richer and more accurate than all other systems especially for the prediction of events with Time Frame. This, not only tell us, what is going to be happen in our life but also, when it will happen, provided the analysis is deep, authoritative,scientific,classical,unblemished,impartial,and with full Providence.Nakshatra (Star or Constellation) is further division of the Zodiac into 27 parts, each part of 13 degree 20'. This division is based on the average daily motion of the Moon, in the Indian Astrology. These Nakshatras are zone or group of stars or a major star, which are at a great distance from our Solar system. Each Nakshatra or Star is ruled by a planet, called 'Star Lord’ in this system. Two or more planets in the same RASHI (SIGN) and same BHAVa (HOUSE) in a horoscope can give different results.
Vedic Astrology is considered as the supreme knowledge granted to human being by the God, Almighty. If it is not properly used it will cause ‘tantra virodha’ causing havoc in life, to the person who misuses it. It should therefore be used only after deep study, dedication and full Providence, in its proper perspective. The three time periods namely past, present and future are supposed to be the transcendence of time and space in Vedic Astrology. It is therefore true knowledge. It is the path of eternal bliss. The conscious, unconscious and subconscious are contained in it. Old Indian sages say that no knowledge is complete with out the knowledge of Astrology. It is the most valuable possession human beings can have. Vedic Astrology can be used to find out the ways to cure diseases, to gain any knowledge, to make friends with any one and gain his intimacy, to answer questions, to lead healthier and happier life, to get through interviews, to negotiate successfully most difficult business deals, to determine the sex of a child, to gain wealth, to evaluate the position of stocks and shares, to win horse races, to speculate successfully and to lead a better, meaningful and contented life. One who uses Vedic Astrology in its proper perspective attains Moksha or eternal liberation also, through which our Creator is realized to fulfill the ultimate purpose of our life. There are so many branches to Vedic Astrology like Jathaka or Nativeity Chart; Prasna or Horary, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Vana Nireekshana or Meteorology, Nashta Prasna or Missing persons or things, ‘Deva Prasna’ or the affairs of Temple or Church, and the affairs of all Sanctum Sanctorum, and the like. Authoritative texts are there to study deep into those subjects.
There were hundreds of thousands of books in Astrology in ancient India. Originally most of them were written in palm leaves, chemically prepared for the purpose. Almost all books were written in Sanskrit. The most voluminous literature in the world namely Tantra is also written in Sanskrit. These books were later translated into many Indian and foreign languages and were spread throughout the world. Many famous universities in the world, besides India, have manuscripts and copies of these books with them. The Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas (Sastras or science) Puranas, Ithihasas like Ramayana, Maha Bharatha, Maha Bhagavatha, Bhagavad Gita and many other books, depicting the culture and rich heritage of India and conveying the message of good will, peace, fraternity, moral principles and human values etc. were all printed originally in Sanskrit. Since these books are available in many languages, it is not difficult to get them and study by interested people.
‘Subham’
Vedanta is one of the world's most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds. Vedanta came from ‘Veda’ (Knowledge) and ‘Anta’ (the end or goal). Knowledge here means God; so Vedanta is the search for God or search for self-realization. According to Vedanta, God is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss. The term for this impersonal, transcendent reality is Brahman, the divine ground of being. Yet Vedanta also maintains that God can be personal as well, immanent and assuming human form in every stage. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature. Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: "Truth is one, Sages call it by various names." The world's religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization. The conflicting messages we find among religions are due more to doctrine and dogma than to the reality of spiritual experience. While dissimilarities exist in the external observances of the world religions, the internals bear remarkable similarities. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.
The four Vedas of the earliest Sanskrit hymns and verses are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda contains plenty of references to Jyotish, used in the context of finding out auspicious times for starting rituals etc. The ancient Hindu Scriptures, accepted as Sanatana Dharma or Vaidika Dharma, considered as the breath of the Lord and comprising the greatest and voluminous literature in the whole world, in the form of Sruti or revelations, Smriti, Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Tantrs, Puranas, Ithihasas and the like, extol the importance of Jyotish, in them. However Vedic Astrology or Vedanga Jyotish is supposed to be the first written documents on Astrology in its ancient form in India. Sanatana Dharma is not for any particular religion, it is for every one of us, irrespective of caste, creed, color or age. Knowingly or unknowingly, we followed many of its norms and we are still following them, and we will follow in future, for our well being. Most famous modern Philosophers and writers are seen endorsing its prospects and hopefully if followed, I feel certain that it may gradually fill the void of spiritual bankruptcy and one of its consequent results of recession, aswell.
Vedic Astrology helps to resolve doubts concerning children, health, spiritual growth, and other subjects. Suggestions regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras, yantras (mystic diagrams), and rituals are integral parts of the system. As all Astrological studies are based on Astronomy, Vedic Astrology was also based on Astronomy. Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Bhattolpala, Jaimini etc., are a few among the world renowned Astronomers, dealt with Astrology also, in ancient India. Some others though not famous Astronomers, dedicated their lives for the cause of Astrology and contributed precious and valuable information through their hard work and research on the subject. These people with the meager resources they had, and with their naked eyes identified the various planets and measured the distance to them from the earth and found out their sizes and shapes. Their recordings when verified later with those found out with the help of telescopes invented by Galileo were exact and accurate. They predicted correctly the time of solar and lunar eclipses that are to come for many hundreds of years ahead, aswell.
Vedic Astrology is very sharp, because there is provision to go deep into the root cause of the matter since each sign and planet is divisible into 60-minute parts called the shashtyamsa. By studying these minute parts in detail the intricacies can be realized. Moreover the saptavarga and the ashtakavarga studies also reveal the manifold characteristics of various planets in detail. The planets are supposed to be hereditary transmitters from one generation to the other. Births and re-births are taken place to complete the cycle of life. The horoscope indicates the residues of the results of the deeds of the past births or ‘karma phala’. In this birth one will carry three sorts of karma, sanchitam, that is stored from the past birth, prarabdham, accumulating in this birth and agami stored for the future. The doctrine of karma says so. When the karma phala is exhausted there will be no more births. The microcosm becomes one with the macrocosm, which is the materialization of life as if a drop of water becomes one with the sea.
Amongst other amazing aspects of Vedic Astrology, the most impressive one is the Dasa System or the periods and duration of planetary cycles in human life (exclusive to Hindu Astrology) where predetermined periods are designated to the nine planets and a detailed interpretation is available at birth. The interpretation of Nakshtra or constellation of stars, is the most superior and sophisticated method of analysis. Vedic system is also the only reliable system to offer remedial measures to the adversities of malefic planets, some of which are mentioned even in the Atharva Veda. Vedic Astrology covers Karmic, Spiritual and Materialistic aspects of one's entire life with the timing of events. It is s really richer and more accurate than all other systems especially for the prediction of events with Time Frame. This, not only tell us, what is going to be happen in our life but also, when it will happen, provided the analysis is deep, authoritative,scientific,classical,unblemished,impartial,and with full Providence.Nakshatra (Star or Constellation) is further division of the Zodiac into 27 parts, each part of 13 degree 20'. This division is based on the average daily motion of the Moon, in the Indian Astrology. These Nakshatras are zone or group of stars or a major star, which are at a great distance from our Solar system. Each Nakshatra or Star is ruled by a planet, called 'Star Lord’ in this system. Two or more planets in the same RASHI (SIGN) and same BHAVa (HOUSE) in a horoscope can give different results.
Vedic Astrology is considered as the supreme knowledge granted to human being by the God, Almighty. If it is not properly used it will cause ‘tantra virodha’ causing havoc in life, to the person who misuses it. It should therefore be used only after deep study, dedication and full Providence, in its proper perspective. The three time periods namely past, present and future are supposed to be the transcendence of time and space in Vedic Astrology. It is therefore true knowledge. It is the path of eternal bliss. The conscious, unconscious and subconscious are contained in it. Old Indian sages say that no knowledge is complete with out the knowledge of Astrology. It is the most valuable possession human beings can have. Vedic Astrology can be used to find out the ways to cure diseases, to gain any knowledge, to make friends with any one and gain his intimacy, to answer questions, to lead healthier and happier life, to get through interviews, to negotiate successfully most difficult business deals, to determine the sex of a child, to gain wealth, to evaluate the position of stocks and shares, to win horse races, to speculate successfully and to lead a better, meaningful and contented life. One who uses Vedic Astrology in its proper perspective attains Moksha or eternal liberation also, through which our Creator is realized to fulfill the ultimate purpose of our life. There are so many branches to Vedic Astrology like Jathaka or Nativeity Chart; Prasna or Horary, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Vana Nireekshana or Meteorology, Nashta Prasna or Missing persons or things, ‘Deva Prasna’ or the affairs of Temple or Church, and the affairs of all Sanctum Sanctorum, and the like. Authoritative texts are there to study deep into those subjects.
There were hundreds of thousands of books in Astrology in ancient India. Originally most of them were written in palm leaves, chemically prepared for the purpose. Almost all books were written in Sanskrit. The most voluminous literature in the world namely Tantra is also written in Sanskrit. These books were later translated into many Indian and foreign languages and were spread throughout the world. Many famous universities in the world, besides India, have manuscripts and copies of these books with them. The Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas (Sastras or science) Puranas, Ithihasas like Ramayana, Maha Bharatha, Maha Bhagavatha, Bhagavad Gita and many other books, depicting the culture and rich heritage of India and conveying the message of good will, peace, fraternity, moral principles and human values etc. were all printed originally in Sanskrit. Since these books are available in many languages, it is not difficult to get them and study by interested people.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
ASTROLOGY, SOME NEW PERSPECTIVES:
Astrology, Some correct perspectives:
Little Introduction:
Astrology dates back from the origin of man. The word Astrology is derived from two Greek words Astra (Stars) and Logos (Study). So, Astrology is the study of Stars. Astrology is Astronomy brought to earth and applied to the affairs of men. It teaches us that the Universe is governed by a perfect system, accurately timed with marvelous precision and accomplished with unerring exactness. It is a noble Science included under Vedangas as early as around 50,000 years ago. Astrology, they proved, is an empirical science like that of Physics or Chemistry, thanks to the presence of the Sun, Moon and the stars as typical and visible evidences. The tools to prove its veracity are very limited and handful, only the Sun, Moon, Stars, the 12 signs of the Zodiac, and some planets in all, in our Solar system, which can not be brought into a test tube or a laboratory. They stand far away from us. One can not touch and feel them, but their impact on us is tremendous and foretelling.
The Impact of Planets:
It is not a secret now that each planet has its own unique polarization /frequency which all living things in the universe are affected on a cellular level. The influence of time and space of an event stamps then and there, a permanent seal on it through the planetary alignment, the forces of which are flowing around us in invisible channels directing our lives towards certain conditions, some of which can be adjusted and or modified by knowing them well in advance in the right time, some times for our favor. Astrology gives us a vague picture of almost the whole of life. It is more sophisticated and more useful than any other Science. It is really the science of the Absolute. Albert Einstein once said:
“The more I study the Universe, the more I believe in a Higher Power.”
In concluding the introduction to his Autobiography, ‘Wings of Fire’, Shri: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam writes:
“We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness”.
Geocentric:
The planets in the sky, which are within our Solar System, have impact on earth. The most important of them are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune, the North Node (Rahu) and the South Node (Kethu). Their route is the Zodiac, which is divided into 12 Signs, from Aries to Pisces. From the earth we see the Sun rising, moving across the sky, and setting, because of the rotation of the earth. The time it takes for the earth to rotate completely around the Sun once at a speed of around 1000 miles per hour, is what we call a day or 24 hours. Earth’s rotation gives us day and night. The earth, in its turn, revolves round the Sun, at a speed of 67,000 miles/ hour, once in around 365 days and this is the year. Since we are on the mother Earth, it is Geocentric.
Stars cannot compel; they only impel:
There are so many branches in Astrology like Jathaka or Native Chart, Prasna or Horary, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Vana Nireekshana or Meteorology, Nashta Prasna or Missing persons or things, the affairs of Sanctum Sanctorum of temples and churches, and the like. Horoscope or Natal Chart, as pointed out above, reveals the influence of time and space of a birth, stamped permanently on it, through the planetary alignment, their relations with the cusps and angles etc. In this context, we must always remember the Universal fact that Stars cannot compel, they only impel. Sometimes, as William Shakespeare said, we may feel that:
“The fault is not in our stars, but in ourselves”.
Destiny and Fate :
However, it is seen that stars help us shape our Destiny, but the ultimate Destiny or Fate is unto HIM, the Supreme Lord, the Brahman. Fate mostly depends on Karma, which is the law of consequences – of merit and demerit. Karma depends on Character. When we change our Character, we change our Karma. Character, in its turn, depends on habits. One may say that when character is lost, every thing is lost. Habits, attitudes and behaviors are closely linked to our unconscious. Do not turn the normal law of self-preservation inside out by bad habits and addictions. Again, Astrology is the only available proof for ‘Karma Theory’, which is the reason for all the happenings in the world. The three time periods namely past, present and future are supposed to be the transcendence of time and space in Astrology. It is therefore a true knowledge. It is the path of eternal bliss. The conscious, unconscious and subconscious are contained in it. Old Sages used to say that no knowledge is complete with out the knowledge of Astrology. It is therefore considered as the supreme knowledge granted to human being by the Gold, Almighty. If it is not properly and divinely used it will definitely cause ‘ tantra virodha’ to the Astrologer, causing havoc in his life. It should therefore be used only with utmost discretion after deep study, dedication and full providence.
Births and Re-births:
The planets are supposed to be hereditary transmitters from one generation to the other. Births and re-births are taken place to complete the cycle of life. The horoscope shows the residues of the results of the deeds of the past births or ‘karma phala’. In this birth one will carry three sorts of karma; ‘sanchitam’ that is stored from the past birth; ‘prarabdham’, accumulating in this birth and ‘aagami’, stored for the future. The doctrine of karma says so. When the ‘karma phala’ is exhausted there will be no more births. The microcosm becomes one with the macrocosm, which is the materialization of life, as if a drop of water becomes one with the sea.
Children and Character:
If a child grows in the habit of getting unconditional love from his parents, getting situations to help develop self-esteem, values, morals, and good traditions of life, enjoyment, good health, secure surroundings, chances to develop skills and abilities, of course coupled with strict discipline, he will have strength of character, which leads him to proper Karmas, the consequences of which will be a meaningful life. One thing is certain that unto every violation of law of the nature, there is meted out a penalty and it is inevitable. We can then try to resort to genuine, harmless and good processes of actions to mitigate evils, hoping for comfort and certainly with the ultimate aim of raising the level of our mind to a little more God-head, bearing in mind that the result of which depends on many other factors also, like the time for fructification of our prayers, the bank balance of our ‘papa-punyas’
or merits and demerits, transcended from our previous births, if any, etc.
Some laws of Nature :
In this context, since we came to know that the violation of nature’s law is the primary and most important cause of grief in life, we should try to understand at least some of the major laws of nature, so that we may not purposely violate them and invite unnecessary troubles and worries into our lives, although it is a cosmic fact that a prick of conscience is instilled in us by the mother nature when ever we try to think or do an evil thing. People with wisdom and virtue will realize it easily that it is against the law of nature and they avoid it at once, when recognized. Wisdom is knowing what to do and virtue is doing it. The most conspicuous nature’s law, I think, is its vicissitudes. Nature is indifferent, it is not constant, and it exhibits no freedom in its existence, but only necessity and contingency. Some split seconds are enough for the utter annihilation of a part of the world, or even the whole world, for that matter. Second one is that this variety of the Nature is under constant change owing to time, space and causation, which cannot be predicted exactly by any one. Because of the intensity of variety in nature, not even two leaves in a big tree are exactly similar, not to speak of humans. This phenomenon of the Nature teaches us a lesson that the expectations of two persons, whether it be husband and wife, father and mother, brother and sister, or two lovers, so to say, will never be on the same level. Very often this is the root cause for beginning all troubles. So, we should not expect anything and every thing from the other. We should learn to contain ourselves and try to be happy and contented with what we have, and share the excess.
Helps Liberation:
Astrology is really like a vast ocean. A famous Vedic Astrologer once said that he is only a particle of sand on the bank of the great ocean of Astrology. Astrology is spiritual, mystical, magical, and it is the music of the cosmos. A true and learned Astrologer can guide one to do the right thing at the right time and can guide to avoid the wrong thing at the tempting time. It is a Divine Science too, though empirical predictive in nature. It s purely based on mathematics, if the time and calculations go wrong, every thing will go wrong. The most important thing to be borne in mind about Astrology is that it should never be taken on any level other than the level of Vedanta, since it contains the quintessence of the philosophies of the entire world. Also, it is true that no better boat than a well written Horoscope can help a man cross over the troubled sea of life. Astrology ultimately helps our Atma (soul) to become Jivatma (manifested soul) and eventually to be one with Paramatma (The God), through deliverance or Liberation (Moksha or Sayoojya), which alone is supposed to fulfill or materialize the purpose of human birth. The higher the soul evolves, the more spiritual the understanding becomes until perfect rapport with the Divine Spirit is attained. This is the atonement, which makes a man perfect. Astrology, if approached in proper perspective, will be most helpful to achieve this goal. Astrology also reveals the greatest fact that the God, Almighty, is atonce transcendent and immanent, the principle emphasized in Sanatana Dharma, which is followed in countries like India, from time immemorial, by people of all caste, creed and color, irrespective of young and old.
Remedy rectifies to a certain extent:
Being known that there are sins in our deposit, we are expected to do ‘pariharas’ as remedial measures and ‘prayaschithas’ or amends, to mitigate the evils. If we believe God as the most powerful and all pervasive, kind and merciful, HE will accept our prayers and will pardon us for our mistakes. There is no man in this world who has not sinned in one way or other. Guilty conscience will never boost you up. It must be remembered in this context that for anything and everything we should not try to bring down God to our level and try to get things done as we wish. It is bad.
Bhagavat Gita says :
“ Udharedatmanatmanam, natmanamavasadayet,
Atmaivahyatmanobandhu: atmaivaripuratmana:”,
meaning, let one raise the self, by the self and not let the self go down, because the self is the friend of the self and self is the foe of the self. You should not degrade yourself. The inner urge should be kept up. There is conflict of Dharma and Adharma in our mind. All your enemies are with in you first. With diligent perseverance and persistence, we should hold on to Dharma and raise ourselves. It is nice to remember Shakespeare here, where Cassius reminds Brutus, in his Julius Caesar:
“Men at sometime are masters of their fates:
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our Stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings”
Some General Rules:
The Astrology Chart consists of 12 Bhavas. Some of the important things, amidst the hundreds of thousands, represented by each bhava can be put briefly in general, as follows:
First Bhava (Tanu bhava) :
Happiness, longevity, age, birth, caste or community, health, characteristic mark, virtues, sufferings, physique, form, shape, complexion, fame, prosperity, success, sex etc. This bhava is called Lagna (Rassenamudayo lagna:). This is known also as Ascendant and is supposed to be the Key to all other bhavas.
Second Bhava (Dhana bhava) :
Wealth, family, clothes, pearls, ruby, gems, minerals, horses, business, path, science, art, speech, right eye, penury, rise and fall, all movables, court cases, death of husband and wife, common enemies etc.
Third Bhava Bhratru bhava) :
Younger brothers and sisters, communications, servants, slaves, laborers, courage, valor, wicked intention, right ear, help, neighbors, small journeys, hearsay, letters, children of friends, friends of children etc.
Fourth Bhava (Sukha bhava) :
Pleasures, garden, fields, mother, friends, caves, maternal uncle, nephew, treasures, vehicles, cot, seat, cleverness, winsome manners, place of birth, education, estates, property of diseased etc.
Fifth Bhava (Putra bhava) :
Children, Intelligence, resourcefulness, genius, discriminatory faculty, merits of past lives, mantras, ministers, cheerful mind, pregnancy, spiritual practices, literary composition, charters, lotteries, clubs etc.
Sixth Bhava (Satru bhava) :
Thieves, enemies, obstacles, diseases, physical injuries, serious illness amounting to death, fear, battle, donkey, cruel deeds, get-well from illness, demise of friends, shepherds, enemies of wife etc.
Seventh Bhava (Kalatra bhava) :
Marriage, passion, partner, husband, wife, companion ship, union of lovers, inward and outward movements, bad chamber, ladies’ apartments, war, lost articles, business, litigation, dispute etc.
Eighth Bhava (Ayur bhava) :
Death, cause of death, total destruction, disaster, scandals, place of death, hostel, hermitage, difficulties on the way, fortress, corruption, fight, vulnerable points, deed of will, relations of servants etc.
Ninth Bhava (Bhagya bhava) :
Fortune, religion, merit, compassion, good luck, penance, father, grand children, charity, worship of gods, spiritual practices, Vedic hymns, noble conduct, wells, temples, voyage, insurance, health of father, tenants etc
Tenth Bhava (Karma bhava) :
Profession, all kinds of services, cities, assemblies, street, residence, command, support, refuge, kingship, position, utility, magistrate, great men, reputation, father in-law, enemies of friends, lawyers etc.
Eleventh Bhava (Labha Bhava) :
Gain of wealth, acquisition of desired objects, elder brother, one’s own progeny, left ear, elephant riding, crops, gold, maidens, trusts, perfidy of friends, ambassadors, advisors, cattle, death of father ec., and,
Twelfth Bhava (Vyaya bhava) :
Loss, sinful deeds, fall, hell, left eye, loss of position, physical handicap, defective limbs, renunciation, expenditure through charity, luxurious living, sacrifices, agricultural operations, tribulations, accidents etc.
Sharing Experience:
Now, I would like to share some of my experiences with you as follows:
** Prepared several hundreds of Horoscopes/Nativity Charts and delineated
them Astrologically. ** Conducted hundreds of Prasna/Horary in a most scientific manner.
** Studied Medical Astrology in detail. Almost accurately analyzed hundreds
of cases of diseases.
** Handled Electional and Mundane Astrology in a fruitful way.
** Conducted "Deva Prasna", regarding Sanctum Sanctorums, in more than
500 temples.
** Studied in detail Gemmology and successfully suggested gems for several
people as useful.
** Published varieties of articles (My First Prediction, A Prasna Session,
Planets and Leagal Profession, Planets and Criminal Propensities, etc. to
mention a few) in leading Astrological magazines and journals.
** Conducted Group discussions on various topics (Horoscope Matching,
Missing Persons, Lost Articles, Marriage and related Problems, Family
ife, Health
** Education, Longevity, Old Age, Diseases of mind and body, Childbirth,
Unnatural births, etc.) in Astrology.
** Conducted several training programs in Astrology, Calulating and
Analyzing Birth Charts, etc.
Please feel free to Counsel, Email me at nairradhakrishnan@hotmail.com
‘Sarvesham Santhir Bhavathu’
‘Subham’
Friday, March 20, 2009
Bhagavatha Dharma..Last installment
Bhagvatha Dharma-11:
Chapter-11:
Eleventh and Twelfth Skandas:
1059. Pathitha skhalitha schaartha:Kshuthwa vaa vivashofbruvanHaraye nama: ithychai:muchyathe sarva pathakaath.(When you are falling down, when you commit errors , when extreme sorrow befalls you, when you are sneezing and when you are tired, loudly say “Sri Haraye Nama:” (Prostrations to Sree Hari); then you are freed from all sins and you attain God-realization
1060.
Bhave Bhave yathaa Bhakti: paadayosthava jaayathe,
Thathaa kurushwa devesha: naathasthwam no yatha: prabho.
Naamasankeerthanam yasya sarva papa pranaashanam
Pranaamo du:khasamana: tham namaami Harim param.
(Oh! God of all Gods! You are our Master and sole protector. Do unto us, that by which we can get unflinching devotion to your Holy Feet. We prostrate before Lord Hari, the chanting of whose names destroys all our sins and prostration before whom mitigates all our sorrows.)
[Thus the translation of Bhagavatha Dharmam by Shri: PNB Nair ends here. It contains 1060 Suthras (Axioms)which bring out the essence of Srimad Bhagavatham. Bhagavatha Dharmam is not a verbatim interpretation of Srimad Bhagavatham. Bhagavatha Dharmam is really the Devotee (Bhakthan), the Devotion (Bhakthi) and the Deva(Bhagavan)(the Supreme Truth). It shows the interrelation among theses three. It explains the Devotional duties through which mortal beings could be rid of all fears. The observance of this Bhagavatha Dharmam is the very essence of Srimad Bhagavatham and it will take one to the ultimate goal of God Realization.]
HARI OM THAT SAT.
Chapter-11:
Eleventh and Twelfth Skandas:
1059. Pathitha skhalitha schaartha:Kshuthwa vaa vivashofbruvanHaraye nama: ithychai:muchyathe sarva pathakaath.(When you are falling down, when you commit errors , when extreme sorrow befalls you, when you are sneezing and when you are tired, loudly say “Sri Haraye Nama:” (Prostrations to Sree Hari); then you are freed from all sins and you attain God-realization
1060.
Bhave Bhave yathaa Bhakti: paadayosthava jaayathe,
Thathaa kurushwa devesha: naathasthwam no yatha: prabho.
Naamasankeerthanam yasya sarva papa pranaashanam
Pranaamo du:khasamana: tham namaami Harim param.
(Oh! God of all Gods! You are our Master and sole protector. Do unto us, that by which we can get unflinching devotion to your Holy Feet. We prostrate before Lord Hari, the chanting of whose names destroys all our sins and prostration before whom mitigates all our sorrows.)
[Thus the translation of Bhagavatha Dharmam by Shri: PNB Nair ends here. It contains 1060 Suthras (Axioms)which bring out the essence of Srimad Bhagavatham. Bhagavatha Dharmam is not a verbatim interpretation of Srimad Bhagavatham. Bhagavatha Dharmam is really the Devotee (Bhakthan), the Devotion (Bhakthi) and the Deva(Bhagavan)(the Supreme Truth). It shows the interrelation among theses three. It explains the Devotional duties through which mortal beings could be rid of all fears. The observance of this Bhagavatha Dharmam is the very essence of Srimad Bhagavatham and it will take one to the ultimate goal of God Realization.]
HARI OM THAT SAT.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Bhagavatha Dharma - 11
Bhagavatha Dharma -11:
CHAPTER XI :
Eleventh and Twelfth Skandas :
1024. Detachment comes from contemplation.
1025. When you feel detached from each and every object in this world, it means you have developed devotion to God.
1026. So long as God remains away from your body, there will be a bad smell for the body.
1027. By merely thinking about godly men you can become free from all sins.
1028. Man’s natural tendency is to live a bestial life in younger days. So try to get rid of your beastliness under the supervision of a Guru.
1029. Don’t talk much. Try to observe silence at least for three hours daily.
1030. Misuse of tongue (words) and hands (actions) is a great offence against God.
1031. Do not condemn the faith of other religions.
1032. Pray daily without fail.
1033. The body has its origin from desire. So the paths of Yoga and Knowledge are not suitable for God–realization in Kaliyuga. Chanting the Names of God is the simplest and most effective means for this in Kaliyuga.
1034. Almost everyone possesses theoretical knowledge. But only virtuous persons can translate that knowledge into their life.
1035. Try to speak sweetly; and keep a cool temperament.
1036. It is a sin to think about the sins of others.
1037. Don’t get elated by gains or dejected by losses.
1038. Give help to others as the Sun does. But never feel proud about doing so.
1039. Don’t cry when someone dies. You must cry only to get God.
1040. Don’t get entangled in sorrows and pleasures. Try to remain happy in any event.
1041. Man, who is now Nara can become Narayana if he tries for that.
1042. Man and woman engaged in spiritual practices should necessarily avoid mutual company
1043. Give away your wealth instead of amassing it.
1044. The main thing that causes man’s downfall is his tongue. He who has his tongue under control will get God also under his control.
1045. Your desire for enjoyment of pleasures is the cause for all your sorrows.
1046. Learn innocence from children.
1047. Don’t entertain desire for pleasures.
1048. Peace of mind is alien to those who live in cities. Therefore, holy men should live in solitude.
1049. God creates, protects and destroys everything by His Maya (delusive power)
1050. Even birds and animals are uplifted by the company of Holy men. Therefore, avoid the company of lustful people.
1051. Idle talk is a great sin. Speak only with measured words.
1052. Penance is the name of giving up desires. Giving up tendencies is Chivalry. Meditation of God is Truth. Righteousness is the greatest Wealth. A pundit is on who knows the path to reach God. He who translates his knowledge into life is Wise. He who installs ego in his intellect is Ignorant. One who is rich in his good qualities is the really rich man. That which is subordinate to Maya is soul. One who is always happy is the really wealthy man. One who is always unhappy is the destitute. One who has the senses under his control is God. The brave is one who has destroyed all his internal foes. A true Bhakta is he who does not entertain even the slightest degree of contempt against anyone.
1053. Human body is most sacred. If you don’t get the good fortune for the company of holy men, don’t get disappointed. But you must strictly avoid the company of worldly men. The duty of avoiding the company of worldly men is yours.
1054. Don’t be exulted by praises. So also don’t get dejected by insults. One who cannot bear insult is a weakling. One who insults you is really your well-wisher.
1055. Don’t get into the problems of others unnecessarily. Try to uplift yourself first.
1056. It is difficult to please the world; it is not so difficult to please God.
1057. Everyone knows that the last journey has to be performed alone. Nevertheless, man cannot live without woman, and woman cannot live without man. What a paradox?
1058. At the time of death, man should think only about the God’s form. God will then convert that man into His own form.
(To be continued)
CHAPTER XI :
Eleventh and Twelfth Skandas :
1024. Detachment comes from contemplation.
1025. When you feel detached from each and every object in this world, it means you have developed devotion to God.
1026. So long as God remains away from your body, there will be a bad smell for the body.
1027. By merely thinking about godly men you can become free from all sins.
1028. Man’s natural tendency is to live a bestial life in younger days. So try to get rid of your beastliness under the supervision of a Guru.
1029. Don’t talk much. Try to observe silence at least for three hours daily.
1030. Misuse of tongue (words) and hands (actions) is a great offence against God.
1031. Do not condemn the faith of other religions.
1032. Pray daily without fail.
1033. The body has its origin from desire. So the paths of Yoga and Knowledge are not suitable for God–realization in Kaliyuga. Chanting the Names of God is the simplest and most effective means for this in Kaliyuga.
1034. Almost everyone possesses theoretical knowledge. But only virtuous persons can translate that knowledge into their life.
1035. Try to speak sweetly; and keep a cool temperament.
1036. It is a sin to think about the sins of others.
1037. Don’t get elated by gains or dejected by losses.
1038. Give help to others as the Sun does. But never feel proud about doing so.
1039. Don’t cry when someone dies. You must cry only to get God.
1040. Don’t get entangled in sorrows and pleasures. Try to remain happy in any event.
1041. Man, who is now Nara can become Narayana if he tries for that.
1042. Man and woman engaged in spiritual practices should necessarily avoid mutual company
1043. Give away your wealth instead of amassing it.
1044. The main thing that causes man’s downfall is his tongue. He who has his tongue under control will get God also under his control.
1045. Your desire for enjoyment of pleasures is the cause for all your sorrows.
1046. Learn innocence from children.
1047. Don’t entertain desire for pleasures.
1048. Peace of mind is alien to those who live in cities. Therefore, holy men should live in solitude.
1049. God creates, protects and destroys everything by His Maya (delusive power)
1050. Even birds and animals are uplifted by the company of Holy men. Therefore, avoid the company of lustful people.
1051. Idle talk is a great sin. Speak only with measured words.
1052. Penance is the name of giving up desires. Giving up tendencies is Chivalry. Meditation of God is Truth. Righteousness is the greatest Wealth. A pundit is on who knows the path to reach God. He who translates his knowledge into life is Wise. He who installs ego in his intellect is Ignorant. One who is rich in his good qualities is the really rich man. That which is subordinate to Maya is soul. One who is always happy is the really wealthy man. One who is always unhappy is the destitute. One who has the senses under his control is God. The brave is one who has destroyed all his internal foes. A true Bhakta is he who does not entertain even the slightest degree of contempt against anyone.
1053. Human body is most sacred. If you don’t get the good fortune for the company of holy men, don’t get disappointed. But you must strictly avoid the company of worldly men. The duty of avoiding the company of worldly men is yours.
1054. Don’t be exulted by praises. So also don’t get dejected by insults. One who cannot bear insult is a weakling. One who insults you is really your well-wisher.
1055. Don’t get into the problems of others unnecessarily. Try to uplift yourself first.
1056. It is difficult to please the world; it is not so difficult to please God.
1057. Everyone knows that the last journey has to be performed alone. Nevertheless, man cannot live without woman, and woman cannot live without man. What a paradox?
1058. At the time of death, man should think only about the God’s form. God will then convert that man into His own form.
(To be continued)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bhavatha dharmam - 10
Bhagavatha Dharmam-10 :
CHAPTER X :
Tenth Skandha(Second half):
(Translation by Shri: PNB Nair)
996. This world is never bad. It is your polluted mind that sees the world as bad.
997. So long as the mind contains emotions and tendencies, it will remain polluted. Mind will get purified insofar as these emotions and tendencies are controlled.
998. Tightly hold the holy feet of God well before your body is invaded by the disabilities due to old age and time.
999. In old age, people lie in the sick bed for seventeen days and die on the eighteenth day.
1000. The sorrows of birth, old age and death are your own creations.
1001. You must learn the secret of action and give up all actions before actions themselves give you up. When you give up all actions, you become surrendered to God.
1002. There are two rules which man should necessarily observe:-(1) Give up sins; and (2) Perform good actions.
1003. A man breathes 21600 times a day. So if he can recite on name of God along with each breath, his life will be fulfilled without doubt.
1004. When you are fifty years old, know that death has already occupied half of your body.
1005. Giving the senses whatever worldly objects that the body needs for its upkeep is using them. But giving the senses whatever they ask for the sake of sensual enjoyment is misusing them. Those who misuse wealth and strength are Daityas(Demons).Those entrapped in fashion-related tendencies are merely misusing their time and money.
1006. (i) Lakshmi is the name of money acquired through all means, fair as well as foul .That money is used for good causes as well as for enjoyment of pleasures.(ii) Maha Lakshmi is the name of money acquired through rightful employment based on eligibility and other righteous means .That money is used only for noble purposes.(iii) Alakshmi is the name of money acquired only through sinful means. That is used only for the enjoyment of sensual pleasures. That money will continue to give disturbance and restlessness to man.
1007. Don’t enter into a marriage as a slave to the senses. You should marry only with full control over the senses.
1008. Listen to the stories of Lord Krishna over and over again. He will attract your mind and make it His own.
1009. If the wife is virtuous, her husband will be free from sorrows.
1010. Speak only what you think in your mind. Try to maintain unity of your words and deeds.
1011. Treat Lakshmi(goddess of wealth) as your mother and worship at home. That will make you happy. If you try to become Lakshmi’s master, you will be beaten by the broomstick of Alakshmi.
1012. Don’t be under the control of your innate nature. Rather, keep it under your control. Innate nature will be cultured by positive actions, thoughts about God, recital of God’s names, company of godly men, reading of good books etc.
1013. First ensure that your mind is cultured. Then only you should start to advise the world. If your own inner self gets satisfaction from your actions, it shows that your innate nature has been cultured.
1014. If Veda Mantras get into the hands of sensuous people, they will interpret the Mantras according to their convenience, by giving opposite meanings.
1015. If Brahmacharis come to your house, receive them respectfully.
1016. The soul becomes restless in old age.
1017. If there is difference of opinion at home, go on a pilgrimage.
1018. Destitution is not a misfortune. Forgetting God in destitution is the greatest misfortune
.1019. One who eats food without sharing it with others will become destitute.
1020. Give up all your enmities and tendencies before death. Tendencies will cause rebirth.
1021. If man will think about death often, he cannot commit sins.
1022. Desire (for worldly pleasures) is a strong impediment to Bhakti.
1023. If a man’s food is impure, his prayer will also be impure.
(To be continued)
CHAPTER X :
Tenth Skandha(Second half):
(Translation by Shri: PNB Nair)
996. This world is never bad. It is your polluted mind that sees the world as bad.
997. So long as the mind contains emotions and tendencies, it will remain polluted. Mind will get purified insofar as these emotions and tendencies are controlled.
998. Tightly hold the holy feet of God well before your body is invaded by the disabilities due to old age and time.
999. In old age, people lie in the sick bed for seventeen days and die on the eighteenth day.
1000. The sorrows of birth, old age and death are your own creations.
1001. You must learn the secret of action and give up all actions before actions themselves give you up. When you give up all actions, you become surrendered to God.
1002. There are two rules which man should necessarily observe:-(1) Give up sins; and (2) Perform good actions.
1003. A man breathes 21600 times a day. So if he can recite on name of God along with each breath, his life will be fulfilled without doubt.
1004. When you are fifty years old, know that death has already occupied half of your body.
1005. Giving the senses whatever worldly objects that the body needs for its upkeep is using them. But giving the senses whatever they ask for the sake of sensual enjoyment is misusing them. Those who misuse wealth and strength are Daityas(Demons).Those entrapped in fashion-related tendencies are merely misusing their time and money.
1006. (i) Lakshmi is the name of money acquired through all means, fair as well as foul .That money is used for good causes as well as for enjoyment of pleasures.(ii) Maha Lakshmi is the name of money acquired through rightful employment based on eligibility and other righteous means .That money is used only for noble purposes.(iii) Alakshmi is the name of money acquired only through sinful means. That is used only for the enjoyment of sensual pleasures. That money will continue to give disturbance and restlessness to man.
1007. Don’t enter into a marriage as a slave to the senses. You should marry only with full control over the senses.
1008. Listen to the stories of Lord Krishna over and over again. He will attract your mind and make it His own.
1009. If the wife is virtuous, her husband will be free from sorrows.
1010. Speak only what you think in your mind. Try to maintain unity of your words and deeds.
1011. Treat Lakshmi(goddess of wealth) as your mother and worship at home. That will make you happy. If you try to become Lakshmi’s master, you will be beaten by the broomstick of Alakshmi.
1012. Don’t be under the control of your innate nature. Rather, keep it under your control. Innate nature will be cultured by positive actions, thoughts about God, recital of God’s names, company of godly men, reading of good books etc.
1013. First ensure that your mind is cultured. Then only you should start to advise the world. If your own inner self gets satisfaction from your actions, it shows that your innate nature has been cultured.
1014. If Veda Mantras get into the hands of sensuous people, they will interpret the Mantras according to their convenience, by giving opposite meanings.
1015. If Brahmacharis come to your house, receive them respectfully.
1016. The soul becomes restless in old age.
1017. If there is difference of opinion at home, go on a pilgrimage.
1018. Destitution is not a misfortune. Forgetting God in destitution is the greatest misfortune
.1019. One who eats food without sharing it with others will become destitute.
1020. Give up all your enmities and tendencies before death. Tendencies will cause rebirth.
1021. If man will think about death often, he cannot commit sins.
1022. Desire (for worldly pleasures) is a strong impediment to Bhakti.
1023. If a man’s food is impure, his prayer will also be impure.
(To be continued)
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