![\"\"](\"http:\/\/dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads4\/2014-09-11_14-10-53.jpg\")
\nSubmitted by Shyamasundara Dasa<\/p>\n
\nSubmitted by Shyamasundara Dasa<\/p>\n
by His Holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami<\/p>\n
(This is the first of a series of essays meant for eventual publication in a book about Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava culture and etiquette.)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/span> \n\t <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> \n\t <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> \n\t\t\t<\/span>[1]<\/a> R\u0101hu period \u2013 an astrological term to denote a phase generally marked by pronounced difficulties.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[2]<\/a>Much of the material for this essay came from \u015ay\u0101masundara D\u0101sa.www.ShyamasundaraDasa.com<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[i]<\/a> SB 10.58.29.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[ii]<\/a> Cb 1.14.155.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[iii]<\/a> Letter, 9 Jan 1975.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[iv]<\/a> See \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da Nectar,<\/em> 3\u201347.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[v]<\/a> Letter, 10 Jun 1975.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[vi]<\/a> Gau\u1e0d\u012bya, <\/em>17.480.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[vii]<\/a> Told by Pradyumna D\u0101sa.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[viii]<\/a> See multiple quotations in TKG\u2019s Diary.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[ix]<\/a> SB 1.12.12 ppt.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[x]<\/a> Conversation, 29 Dec 1973.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[xi]<\/a> Told by Bhakti Svar\u016bpa D\u0101modara Swami.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[xii]<\/a> Memories of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, <\/em>DVD 47, Ha\u1e41s\u0101vat\u0101ra D\u0101sa.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n\t\t\t<\/span>[xiii]<\/a> Lecture, 3 May 1969.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\tAstrology (jyoti\u1e63a<\/em>) is described as \u201cthe eye of the Vedas.\u201d The Vedic version (not the Western type) is a bona fide science, and is considered essential in Vedic society, so much so that even the Supreme Lord, although beyond all astrological considerations, nonetheless adheres to them while performing His humanlike pastimes. For example:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/res\/articles\/sp_speaking_strongly.jpg\")
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\n\tThe supremely auspicious Lord then married K\u0101lind\u012b on a day when the season, the lunar asterism, and the configurations of the sun and other heavenly bodies were all propitious.1<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\tAn example from Lord Caitanya\u2019s pastimes is that He began His return journey from East Bengal to Navadv\u012bpa at an astrologically auspicious moment.2<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\tIn traditional Vedic society, working knowledge of astrology was essential for br\u0101hma\u1e47as,<\/em> who employed it in their day-to-day dispensing of advice to others on all kinds of matters. And no one would make an important decision without consulting an expert astrologer.<\/p>\n
\n\tBeing a gift of Bhagav\u0101n, astrology is inherently sacred. Although some people dismiss astrology as superstition or a pseudo-science, the B\u1e5bhat Par\u0101\u015bara Hor\u0101-\u015b\u0101stra <\/em>(2.13) states that anyone who, lacking knowledge of \u015b\u0101stra, <\/em>censures astrology, goes to hell and is thereafter born blind.<\/p>\n<\/span>
\n\tIs Astrology Suitable for Devotees?<\/h3>\n
\n\tAlthough \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da, in his books and elsewhere, repeatedly recommended astrology, sometimes devotees quote him as being disparaging of it. For instance:<\/p>\n
\n\tRegarding astrology, you should not listen to any of these so-called astrologers\u2014strictly avoid. Don\u2019t even see them. What is the use of seeing them? Astrology is meant for the materialist, but a spiritualist does not care for the future. Everything is dependent upon Krishna. So where is the necessity of astrology? The devotees\u2019 principle is, let there happen anything as K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a desires. Let me remain a sincere devotee, that\u2019s all. A pure devotee is never interested in this astrology.3<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\tThe history behind this instruction is that certain devotees were consulting nondevoteeastrologers regarding favorable and unfavorable times to go out for preaching. Instead of trusting in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s will, the devotees were becoming confused and reacting on the mental platform. In this situation, a devotee wrote to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da to inquire whether devotees should seek such astrological advice, and the above was the reply.<\/p>\n
\n\tNevertheless, if a devotee, for the sake of serving K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and His devotees, has acquired competence in astrology, that should be understood as a gift of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Because his knowledge of astrology is dovetailed in the service of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, devotees who approach him will not get the same kind of advice as given by those whom \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da referred to as \u201cso-called astrologers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tOnce an astrologer in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana gave Vi\u015b\u0101la D\u0101sa, (who was going through a R\u0101hu period)[1]<\/a> a yantra to wear around his neck to counteract the negative influence of the stars. The astrologer told him to dip it in the Yamun\u0101 and have an \u0101rati<\/em> performed at midday. When \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s secretary Brahm\u0101nanda Swami saw it, he told Vi\u015b\u0101la that \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da always said that devotees do not have to add anything to the K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a conscious process. Vi\u015b\u0101la consulted \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da about this, explaining that he thought the astrological guidance would aid his K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da asked who the astrologer was and how much he charged, then quoted the full verse sarva-dharm\u0101n parityajya\u2026 <\/em>and said, \u201cK\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness is beyond astrology. If you just surrender to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a with a slight kick can annihilate one hundred thousand R\u0101hu planets.\u201d4<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\tIn the above instance, the astrologer had prescribed a non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava remedy. Devotees should reject non-Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava remedies, as in most cases they involve demigod worship or other formulas meant for nondevotees. But there are also Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava remedies. Although astrology is mostly practiced by nondevotees for nondevotee clients and for nondevotional purposes, it is also practiced by devotees who are competent to guide other devotees for devotional purposes. If properly understood and applied, astrology does not conflict with transcendental devotional service.<\/p>\n
\n\tAnother negative statement by \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da regarding astrology is:<\/p>\n
\n\tYou should not bother with all this nonsense. Astrology will not save you at the time of death. My Guru Maharaja was a great astrologer and astronomer, but he gave it all up. It is meant for the karm\u012bs.<\/em> We have no interest in such things.5<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\tThis comment can be understood to pertain to the elevated platform of indifference to worldly affairs. As \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura noted, \u201cthere is no inauspiciousness for persons fully surrendered to K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and such pure devotees do not attribute much importance to worldly auspiciousness or inauspiciousness.\u201d6<\/a><\/span> Still, most devotees are not sannyasis or advanced transcendentalists. Like other people, they struggle to balance their worldly duties, particularly those of caring for their family and working to earn money. Astrology can help them optimize their physical and psychological strengths and be better aware of their weaknesses, and thus help them find direction, handle problems, and lead a healthier and more productive life. As \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da said (regarding astrological considerations), \u201cWe are not very much concerned with these things, but when it is going to rain you should take an umbrella.\u201d7<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\t\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s endorsement of astrology is apparent from his regular consultation of astrologers during the several months of sickness prior to departing from this world.[viii]<\/a> Conclusively, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da was not against astrology per se, but against the misuse of it, as is clear that from the following:<\/p>\n
\n\tAstronomical calculations of stellar influences upon a living being are not suppositions, but are factual, as confirmed in \u015ar\u012bmad-Bh\u0101gavatam.\u2026<\/em> The law of nature is so subtle that every part of our body is influenced by the respective stars, and a living being obtains his working body to fulfill his terms of imprisonment by the manipulation of such astronomical influence. A man\u2019s destiny is therefore ascertained by the birthtime constellation of stars, and a factual horoscope is made by a learned astrologer. It is a great science, and misuse of a science does not make it useless.[ix]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tIn a nutshell, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s outlook was, \u201cWe believe in astrology, but because it is a difficult science, people do not understand it properly.\u201d[x]<\/a>And therefore \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da wanted the Bhaktivedanta Institute to study and present astrology in a scientific manner.[xi]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tHa\u1e41s\u0101vat\u0101ra D\u0101sa recalls that when he first asked \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da about studying astrology, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da dismissed it as unimportant. Later, when Ha\u1e41s\u0101vat\u0101ra D\u0101sa told \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da that he wanted to study astrology for the sake of preaching, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da enthusiastically endorsed it.[xii]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tWhen asked, \u201cIs astrology of any importance to a way of life?\u201d \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da replied:<\/p>\n
\n\tYes. This is a science. That science is acceptable by the human society. Medical science, legal science, engineering science \u2013 similarly, astrology also, another science. But the astrology is simply useful so long you have got this body. But as soon as your body is finished, there is no more use of astrology.[xiii]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tAlthough astrology is concerned with matters of this world and is not necessary in the practice of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness, the same is true of medicine, law, engineering, and all other among the innumerable fields of knowledge that devotees utilize while present in this material sphere. Certainly, the holy name is the only ultimate shelter in this inclement and unpredictable place. Yet just as an unhealthy devotee may be advised to consult a doctor, when facing complex or risky situations in his personal life he may likewise benefit from approaching an astrologer.<\/p>\n<\/span>
\n\tApplications<\/h3>\n
\n\tLike a good map on a long and difficult journey, an astrological chart can help one to identify the best path to follow, the hurdles ahead, when to be especially careful, and when it is safe to speed up.<\/p>\n
\n\tNowadays, astrology is mostly utilized for guidance in domestic matters, such as marriage compatibility, to indicate favorable times for business investments or weddings and other important events, and determining suitable occupations for various individuals. Astrology is also used in ascertaining a child\u2019s var\u1e47a<\/em> and a man\u2019s eligibility for acceptance of sanny\u0101sa.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\tDevotees who do not regularly consult an astrologer should nonetheless not fail to take \u2013 and follow! \u2013 astrological advice for compatability matching prior to marriage. In Indian society, a major factor in the stability of arranged marriages is the assistance of qualified astrologers in making compatible matches. It is foolish to choose a mate simply by \u201cfalling in love,\u201d with little foresight concerning the future of the relationship. Expert astrological advice should be sought, for that can make the difference between a life of suffering and a settled, contented platform from which to prosecute K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness.<\/p>\n
\n\tAccording to the Vedic system, the parents would consider the horoscopes of the boy and girl who were to be married. If according to astrological calculations the boy and girl were compatible in every respect, the match was called yo\u1e6daka and the marriage would be accepted. Even fifty years ago, this system was current in Hindu society. Regardless of the affluence of the boy or the personal beauty of the girl, without this astrological compatibility the marriage would not take place. A person is born in one of three categories, known as deva-ga\u1e47a, manu\u1e63ya-ga\u1e47a, <\/em>and rak\u1e63asa-ga\u1e47a.<\/em> In different parts of the universe there are demigods and demons, and in human society also some people resemble demigods whereas others resemble demons. If according to astrological calculations there was conflict between a godly and a demoniac nature, the marriage would not take place.[xiv]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tIn Vedic society, upon the birth of each child, every high-class family would consult an astrologer:<\/p>\n
\n\tAccording to the Vedic culture, immediately after a boy\u2019s birth astrologers should calculate what category he belongs to. Astrology can help if there is a first-class astrologer. Such an astrologer can tell what line a boy is coming from and how he should be trained.[xv]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tWhether one has a short life or a long life, one must suffer the threefold miseries of material life. Therefore any gentleman, dh\u012bra,<\/em> must be interested in jyoti\u1e63a,<\/em> astrology. Nanda Mah\u0101r\u0101ja was trying to take advantage of the opportunity afforded by Gargamuni\u2019s presence, for Gargamuni was a great authority in this knowledge of astrology, by which one can see the unseen events of past, present and future. It is the duty of a father to understand the astrological position of his children and do what is needed for their happiness.[xvi]<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\tAnother important use of astrology is for ascertaining the best time for performing garbh\u0101dh\u0101na-sa\u1e41sk\u0101ra <\/em>to produce good progeny.<\/p>\n
\n\tAs a platform for preaching, astrology reinforces the Vedic worldview, including the principles of karma, and thus presupposes reincarnation and the understanding that planets, controlled by demigods, subtly map human lives.<\/p>\n<\/span>
\n\tProper Perspective<\/h3>\n
\n\tAstrology is not a panacea for all troubles. Like anything else, without K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness astrology is ultimately of no value. Although it can offer guidelines to help maximize one\u2019s endeavors in K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a consciousness, it cannot give love of God. Attainment of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-prema <\/em>is dependent upon the mercy of guru and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and personal sincerity is also essential. Astrology may show that a person has spiritual tendencies, but that does not forego his need to develop those tendencies by painstaking endeavor in devotional service. In short, astrology is a guide, not a shortcut or a substitute.<\/p>\n
\n\tA common misunderstanding is that the stars influence fate. But factually, they do not cause anything to happen. Astrology is rather a descriptive language, applicable even to persons who are not subject to karma, including the Supreme Lord, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. Just as the Sanskrit language can describe the position, personality, and activities of both the Supreme Lord and also of persons bound by karma, so too can astrology.<\/p>\n
\n\tDevotees know that fundamentally everything is controlled by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and not by demigods. Although astrology is generally considered a means for managing the influence of the demigods, it is better understood as a system given by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a for understanding specific workings of the universe. For one who is knowledgeable of astrology and related disciplines, the world imparts information at all times. To illustrate, at the moment when R\u0101ma and Sugr\u012bva made their alliance, the left eyes of R\u0101va\u1e47a, V\u0101li, and S\u012bt\u0101 twitched, which signaled the destruction of R\u0101va\u1e47a and V\u0101li and the rescue of S\u012bt\u0101. According to the science of omens, twitching on the left side of the body is inauspicious for males but auspicious for females; and twitching on the right side of the body is auspicious for males but inauspicious for females.<\/p>\n
\n\tA danger for devotees is of seeing everything in terms of planetary influences and not recognizing the hand of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in the life of His devotees. This can lead to seeing devotional service in mundane terms. For example, a self-made astrologer once told me that in my name, Bhakti Vik\u0101\u015ba, bhakti<\/em> is ruled by Jupiter and vik\u0101\u015ba<\/em> by Venus \u2013 thus demonstrating his ignorance of the basic principle that bhakti<\/em> received in the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya parampar\u0101 <\/em>is under the protection of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b and that the vik\u0101\u015ba <\/em>(luster) of such bhakti<\/em> has nothing to do with the material enjoyment presided over by Venus.<\/p>\n<\/span>
\n\tCaution Required<\/h3>\n
\n\tAlthough astrology is a perfect science, the majority of astrologers are far from perfect in their knowledge and insight of the subject. Certainly the Vedic astrological discipline is superior to the Western, as it is grounded in Vedic culture and spiritual understanding, and was originally designed to help guide the seeker onto the path back to Godhead. Yet much of what is practiced in India today would better be termed Hindu astrology rather than Vedic astrology, because over the centuries the pristine science has become obscured by accretions from Buddhist, Jain, Muslim, M\u0101y\u0101v\u0101da, and other apa-siddh\u0101ntic sources.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/res\/articles\/chakra_yantra_large.jpg\")
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\n\tAdvice from an insufficiently qualified or ill-motivated so-called astrologer is liable to be useless or worse. The Ayurvedic authority Caraka repeatedly warns against quacks, considering their treatment more dangerous than poison. As with medicine, astrology is too complex to be mastered simply by self-study of textbooks. Just as no one today is allowed to practice medicine without being duly certified, no one in Vedic culture was allowed to practice Ayurveda, astrology, or any other important discipline without first being fully trained and authenticated by a recognized master. Without such training, even an astrologer who has been practicing for many years is liable to commit basic errors. Simplistic readings, such as those available from several websites, often miss important insights that can be revealed only by the probing of an experienced astrologer.<\/p>\n
\n\tVedic astrology is a multifaceted interdisciplinary study of the human situation, and it therefore calls for judicious analysis. To properly discharge his service, an astrologer not only must be well-founded in jyot\u012b\u1e63a, <\/em>but his spiritual understanding should be clear and he should have good knowledge of N\u012bti-\u015b\u0101stra, <\/em>history, and other subjects, so as to be able to draw on a wealth of source material. To become a competent astrologer requires intelligence, protracted s\u0101dhana,<\/em> perseverance, experience, intuition, and sensitivity to the highest needs of the individual. Furthermore, the astrologer should be self-controlled and of exemplary character.<\/p>\n
\n\tOne danger in consulting a spurious astrologer is that when he sometimes gets things right \u2013 as he surely will \u2013 the client is likely to develop great faith in him and therefore is liable to be seriously misled when the quack gives advice based on improper understanding. Astrologers are often approached by persons who are about to make decisions that will seriously affect the course of their life. Thus it behooves clients to seek out the most reliable astrologer they can, carefully investigating the credentials of an astrologer before consulting one, and to beware of hobbyists in this profound science. The would-be client must also be wary of cheating in the name of astrology \u2013 for instance, the selling of expensive talismans or gems that ultimately render little or no benefit to the buyer.<\/p>\n
\n\tIt is certainly preferable that devotees consult an astrologer who himself is a devotee. Only persons who possess devotional insight, whose lives are directed toward and by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and whose aspirations are therefore quite different from those of ordinary people, can properly advise devotees. Unlike nondevotee astrologers, a consummate Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava astrologer has clear philosophical understanding of destiny, free will, the supreme control of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and also of his own dependence upon Him. He sees astrology as a tool given by K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a to help people live within yet also get out of this material world, but he does not consider astrological advice to be a substitute for the instructions of higher-order gurus and sadhus.<\/p>\n
\n\tMundane astrologers often recommend worship of a particular demigod for the removal of particular obstacles that are perceived in one\u2019s chart, but each principal demigod is overseen by a specific Vi\u1e63\u1e47u form, by worshiping whom such obstacles can be overcome. (For instance, Mars is overseen by N\u1e5bsi\u1e41ha-deva.) Therefore, Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas should consult Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava astrologers and not become entangled in demigod worship. Putative devotees, who in the name of astrology introduce demigod worship by way of remedial measures, should be known as enemies of the \u015buddha-bhakti <\/em>movement. Devotees should also beware of astrologers who, although well-versed in the discipline, nonetheless ascribe to M\u0101y\u0101v\u0101da or other anti-devotional ideas, which they will tend to impute even unconsciously to their clients.<\/p>\n
\n\tNevertheless, widespread misuse of this great science does not make it useless.[xvii]<\/a> Astrology is an important aspect of the social infrastructure that must be revived for reestablishing var\u1e47\u0101\u015brama. <\/em>We look forward to the day when there will be sufficient qualified devotee astrologers to competently guide devotees in their worldly affairs.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t
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![\"Hare](\"http:\/\/dandavats.com\/wp-content\/uploads4\/2014-09-18_12-47-47.jpg\")
By Bhakti Vikas Swami<\/strong><\/p>\n