Astrologia Vedica

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Re: From Chapter one of the book Astrologia Vedica, by me!

http://www.mantra-ebooks.com/3dollar.html

 

 

 

" At this point, let us define Vedic astrological teachings; we are

basically speaking of Parashara Muni. He has given us a complete system of

astrology in his book Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. He did not say that it

was incomplete or an " installment." And although he spoke his teachings to

Maitreya, he had the man of the present age, the Kali-yuga, in mind. This is

evident from the sections that deal with Ashtakavarga and Vimshottari

dasha. Although there are some less extensive Vedic sources such as

Satyacharya's teachings, almost all Hindu astrology corresponds to

Parashara's system and is therefore known as Parashari astrology.

 

So who was Parashara in the first place? There is a nice narration in Hari

Bhakti Shudhodaya

( a section of the Naradiya Purana ) which illustrates how exalted Parashara

Muni was. Apparently, the sage Markendeya came upon a meeting of sages in a

forest clearing. They were sitting in a circle, among them Parashara, who

was just a little boy of seven at the time. He was seated on the lap of

Vasishta Muni, who was the family priest of Shree Ramachandra, an avatar of

Vishnu. To be seated on the lap of Vasishta is in itself an honor. But to

get on with the story, Markendeya fell at the feet of Vasishta and offered

his respects. Parashara, in turn, bowed down to Markendeya. Markendeya

disapproved of this and instructed the boy that elders should receive

respect and not humble themselves to those of lesser age. Parashara showed

surprise and mentioned that, since he was only a boy of seven, he was not an

elder, for which reason there should be no objection to his bowing down.

Markendeya, however, cited the sages defining age as time which is spent in

rememberance of Vishnu. Markendeya went on to say that Parashara's devotion

was unalloyed and that the boy was in contact with the supersoul.

Therefore, Markendeya said that, although only a boy, all of his seven years

counted whereas if the time all others present there had remembered Vishnu

were added together it would not even exceed five years. That is why

Markendeya considered Parashara to be the eldest person in the assembly.

 

Another anecdote is found in the pastimes of Shree Ramanuja Acharya, one a

the chief saints of the Vishnu worshippers of South India of the post-Vedic

era. It is nicely related in " The Life of Ramanuja Acharya," compiled by

Naimisharanya Das, P - 59, wherefrom we relate: Just before the cremation of

Alabandara ( Yamunacharya ), a saint of practically equal stature, Shree

Ranamuja arrived and attended the viewing. He noticed that the saint had his

three middle fingers curled over in a fist-like fashion, while the thumb and

pinky were extended. " After a while, Ramanuja said' I see that three

fingers of Alabandara's are folded and clenched tight. Were they like that

during his lifetime?'"

 

" The disciples who were close by replied, ' No, his fingers used to remain

straight. We cannot guess why they are like this now.'"

 

" Ramanuja then declared aloud, ' Remaining fixed in devotion to Lord

Vishnu, I shall free the people from illusion by spreading the glories of

the Lord throughout the land.' As these words were sopeken, one of the

fingers relaxed and became straight."

 

" Ramanuja spoke again, saying, " To establish that there is no truth beyond

Lord Vishnu, I shall write the Shree Bhashya commentary on the

Vedantasutra.' At this, the second of Alabandara's fingers became straight."

 

" Ramanuja declared again, ' In order to show respect to the sage Parashara,

who has so wonderfully described the glories of the Lord in the Vishnu

Purana, I shall name one learned Vaishnava after him.' With this final

statement, the last of Alabandara's fingers relaxed and became straight."

This story, relating to the three vows of Ramanuja Acharya, are part of the

lore of the Vishnu worshippers of South India; the last vow highlighting the

exalted status of the Sage Parashara.

 

exalted personality and a pure medium for astrological knowledge. His

teachings would not be tinged with any of the aforementioned empiric

defects. Keep in mind that he is also the father of the sage Vyasadev who

compiled the very Vedas!

 

As far as Parashara's sources are concerned, he states in several places in

his treatise that " I was instructed by Brahma ..." or that " such and such

I have heard from Narada." We know from Bhagavat Purana ( canto two, chapter

nine ) and other similar sources that Brahma is the " Adi-Devo Jagatam " or

first demigod of the universe and " Para Guru," the supreme guru ( verse

five ). He was so successful at yogic practice that the Personality of

Godhead Narayana appeared before him from the spiritual sky ( Vaikuntha ),

shook his hand, smiled at him and referred to him as being impregnated with

the Vedas. Brahma may therefore be considered a perfect source of knowledge

as he has the recommendation of Narayana, shook His hand, and saw him

personally! Narada is his offspring.

 

This means that astrological teachings coming down from Brahma and Narada to

Parashara are free from mundane sensory defects. And to learn from such

sages is the perfection of the above keystone verse.

 

On the other hand, even if one looks for empiric evidence, he may rest

assured. Since the close of the Vedic age several thousand years ago, some

of the greatest intellects of India have applied themselves to this system

of astrology. They have been patronized by great kings and wealthy men, or

have had ample facilities in some way. Their findings and understanding of

Parashara's system have been documented in the form of such great books as

Brihat Jataka by Varaha Mihir and Jataka Parijata by Vaidyanath Dikshita.

Experimentation with the system has not been lacking. So it seems that, in

Vedic astrology, we have not an empiric system subject to human

imperfection. Rather, we have a system which is free from such defects,

though employed by fragile human beings."