Excellent article on Jyotisha and free will

[Guest guest]

An article by Pandit Sanjay Rath

with an introduction by Das Goravani

 

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Introduction

Pandit Sanjay Rath's Article on free will is below my introduction here. See

below the dashed line for his article.

 

I'm simply re-posting Sanjay's letter in response to another thread on my

astrological list. I want this to be labeled correctly, so I'm

re-posting it, and I want to share this as an example to friends on both of

my

lists. My motivation is mostly to show by example the detail of what

Brahmins

talk about as regards the science of karma, to spark interest, to blow

minds,

to shift paradigms, and the like, hopefully all for the benefit of souls,

and

the glory of Krishna.

 

First though, I'm going to give a bit of an introduction, which may be

enlightening for some. You can discuss with Sanjay Rath on his list, my

GJLIST,

in person in Delhi India, and in other ways. So those who wish to study

these

subjects surely can.

 

This is an awesome example of Hindu philosophy, logic, and the depth of

learning expected in Vaisnava households that take their brahminical culture

seriously. I dealt with people like Sanjay Rath in India previously, learned

from them and with them under Gurus- they are rare. They are, in my opinion,

why we go there, why we learn there, along with other persons, which I'll

mention below.*

 

It is this kind of article I work for in hopes that others will think, live,

and enjoy, on this level, and those levels of life related to it,

like it.

 

It is not the exact contents of this article, it's more the fact of the

attempt

to deal in depth with the big questions of life that my birth

culture could not answer at all.

 

It is also the culture of learning, the fact that Sanskrit has direct words

for

all these things, the fact that a man in his mid thirties in

caring to do all this work for others without pay, the fact that all of this

is

very many thousands of years old, the fact that it is still

available, highly applicable, and easily accessible. All of this, makes me

say

"I offer my respects here".

 

So here's a typically wonderful article from a Brahmin doing what's Brahmins

do, which is share knowledge that's generally spiritual, astrological,

medical

or the like.

 

I do think much of this kind of thing, much of Prasna Marga (the book) and

much

of what Brahmins have and can share, is exceedingly complex and intricate.

It

is like going to medical or law school- it is not for everyone.

 

The SUMMARY of "what does it all mean" is therefore sought after by many, as

also, we go to doctors and lawyers to "handle our situation expertly" for

us,

and we pay them. People go to astrologers in this way too. Ultimately, they

are

there when people feel "help me" around some life issues, so, though the

definition of astrologer is not real clear to us or the clients, still, we

know

it's about deep stuff, important stuff, karma, life, death, "what's going to

happen to me", and so on. It's important. That's for sure. We should, as

astrologers, take articles like this one real seriously. We may have

differing

variations of this knowledge from one of us to the other, but this is an

important subject to be sure.

 

I am happy to have Sanjay posting here like this, because this level of

reading, or explaining, or willingness to write, of birth heritage in India,

and so on, is all helpful to us who are trying to enter into this domain of

knowledge. You don't have to agree fully with what you read here. But it's

also

fine if you do.

 

I would like to offer a few other points:

 

Whether or not you agree with Sanjay, put that aside for a moment, and

ponder

the archeological value in this article. Sanjay represents at least one

section

of the Brahmin class surrounding Jaganath Puri, one of India's Great

Kingdoms,

an India-wide special respect is held for it, one of the Ancient Strongholds

of

strict Hindu culture still in India today, the birthplace of the founder of

the

movement in India that produced the Hare Krishna movement, the place Sri

Caitanya chose to spend his final many years of his life (you can still

visit

that room today). This is a very special place. We who know Hinduism know

that

Jaganath Puri is a seat of Hindu learning. It always has been, for many

thousands of years. The Royal Family there have been followers of Sri

Caitanya

for centuries.

 

So, Sanjay does represent SOMETHING rather significant. I find him to me, to

be

a curious commodity no matter what. Whether you like his ways, sharing, or

what

have you, I'm trying to make you realize that what you're dealing with here

is

something VERY interesting if you are at all learned as regards India and

ancient culture on Earth.

 

Another example would be Manipur, north India. It's an oddity because it is

it's own state, separate from the rest of India. It has it's OWN Visas. Just

going to India does NOT mean you can go to Manipur. It's a totally Vaisnava

kingdom. Long ago one Vaisnava Saint (Narottama Thakur) went there and

converted the whole place. Since then, they are Vaisnava. They have their

own

culture, and it's just really unique. You can go there, but only if invited,

and usually only shortly. It's very special.

 

So there are still these oddities or uncommon ancient Eastern ways to be

beheld. From all over India there are many special people, but actually, in

another sense, there aren't so many who are learned and can, are willing, to

share.

 

So I'm trying to help you to understand and respect, and appreciate, our

brothers and sisters who represent something a bit more ancient. To be

really

devoted as Sanjay is, well I know it well. I'm very familiar with the school

of

Hinduism, the city, the lineage, and such. I'm glad to help bring this to

the

world. I think it's important that we know and perceive the depth of

thinking

that was done in Ancient India, more and more. There are things perhaps to

be

sorted out from it so that it works well as it integrates into the West,

which

is a process that can be flawed, as we've seen, so we have to be careful,

but

to drink it in is where we start, so lets do that, then proceed to

understand,

and perhaps integrate.

 

* As Sanjay mentions, there is a difference between Shiksha and Diksha.

Basically, one is a teacher, Shiksha, and Diksha means to lead one on the

more

serious spiritual steps of life, it is more one's spiritual master. So like

that difference, there are also differences in approaches of teachers. Some

teachers are detail oriented, Virgo more so, and others are more of a

summary

nature, less detail oriented. They may, hopefully will, help one towards the

best destination for the person. Not everyone can study and understand all

the

details of Hinduism and Brahminical sciences. But the summary conclusions,

can

be given to people. Like "Love they neighbor" is a summary conclusion, which

can be established by long lessons in equality of souls, how karma works,

why

we're all here, what is good for your soul, and so on. But if you just hear

and

follow "Love they neighbor", you're on the right

track. It's called being "good hearted". So, often we find very good hearted

Americans or other peoples, who may not know much knowledge. Some Gurus

from

India come and teach in summary ways. Others teach the details, and some are

mixed. There is no one way, one best way. We are all playing the parts

assigned.

 

I do not mean to make Sanjay or anyone else uncomfortable with all these

words.

I do however really want us all to recognize our own ancient heritage's,

represented in this case by Puri and it's Brahmin class and their concerns

and

attempts to maintain their knowledge base. I would feel the same of some

other

person representing something old, pure, and pristine. I feel strong

feelings

for Puri, and Brahminical Knowledge. I have studied both extensively and

spent

much time, effort, pain and energy to get there, to live there, stay there,

learn about it, read about it, and so on. Jaganath and his devotees have

been a

big part of my life, and why this list and all I do exists in the first

place,

so these sentiments have a bit of say inside me. Please excuse my eagerness

around these things if it makes you uncomfortable. At least the good news

is,

it's all about the soul, about finding total peace and

happiness.

 

The concepts found between the lines, and on the lines, of the following

exposition are grass roots within real Vedic culture. However, these are

contrary to much of the Western paradigm. As these two integrate, strange

things can happen. The Hare Krishna movement is the best place to see how an

experiment of integrating Vedic culture into Modern Western cultures will

proceed. It was wonderful, and difficult, and sometimes had collisions with

itself. It's not easy. So it's important to remember, shanti shanti shanti,

everything will be made clear in time, to all of us, and all of us will

learn

and grow, in this and other lives, times and places. So let us calmly

perceive,

proceed, and share, in peace, and with a loving mood always.

 

I'm happy to present such a fine exposition. Now I'll shut up, sit in the

audience, and listen. This is a re-post, so you may have already read this

letter. My previous writings regarding "total fate" are not offset by this

idea

of "partial/qualified" free will. What I talk about is a perception on a

different level, but now is not the time for that.

 

====================================================

 

Here's some links for those who want to know more:

 

http://sanjayrath.tripod.com

 

You can order cassette tapes he spoke while on a teaching tour in England

recently. You can write to confcass (AT) lineone (DOT) net re that.

 

====================================================

 

Karma & Free will, an overview by Sanjay Rath

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1. After death, a person carries with him the dharma and the Karma which

can

be divided into two broad parts called Sanchita Karma and Prarabdha Karma.

Sanchita Karma is finished in various types of hells and suffering in the

life

after death whereas Prarabdha Karma has to be carried into another body and

can

be burnt only through experience. So, only the most elevated souls who have

complete control over their Indriya's (sense's) are not affected by these

experiences in this life. All others are.

 

2. Based on the Prarabdha Karma, Krishna decides the circumstances of

birth,

experiences and length of life that a person has to undergo to complete this

Prarabdha. Sometimes one life is not enough and many births maybe necessary.

The conception chart is used to determine the past karma. In fact the

Dwadasamsa (D-12 Chart) of the Nisheka (Conception) tells us many details.

This

is not a practical proposition, but not an impossibility given the direction

of

development of the biological sciences. The Janma Kundali (Birth Chart) is

the

perfect map of the Prarabdha Karma and the Shastyamsa (D-60 Chart) is the

most

vital in the Shodasavarga scheme of Parasara. The D-60 gets the highest

weightage in the Vimsopaka Bala scheme and hence establishes its

priority over others. This chart also tells us about the Prarabdha Karma in

addition to the Navamsa, Rasi and other charts in their relative importance

(weights assigned by Parasara in Vimsopaka scheme).

 

3. Given this paradigm of the theory of Karma and rebirth, we hardly have

any space to maneuver and it seems that the journey through this life is an

inevitable jail term that we must bear. This is true. Now the hard question

is

what is the role of Jyotish and in what way is the Jyotish going to help in

altering the inalterable or changing that which cannot be changed as the

term

is fixed and so is the sentence inevitable. In reply some astrologers offer

platitudes like making the suffering easier by knowing that this was an

eventuality and that this is only a natural reaction to what we had done,

but

then this is a nice logical analysis and is not really supported by the

traditional texts or literature. This question was answered in detail by

Harihara the author of Prasna Marga (translation Dr B V Raman). After

reading

that, all doubts will disappear and you will realize the great job that Dr

Raman

has done.

 

4. Like every other birth, the Atma rides (Arudha) this Mana (Mind-Moon)

which controls this Sareera (Body). The Atma remebers all it's past

incarnations but the Mana, being new and aware of this incarnation alone

cannot

understand the reason behind the various forms of suffering that it sees and

experiences. It expresses anger when a feeling that injustice has been done

(based on its awareness and concept of justice) this is Mars and later this

passion results in sorrow as the atma does not cooperate with the Mana being

aware that the Prarabdha Karma is being burnt through this anubhava

(experience). It is here that Jupiter intervenes. If Jupiter is strong in

simhalokamsa or is strengthened by adoration of one's DIKSHA GURU (be

careful

here - not Siksha Guru's like K N Rao or myself and Achyutananda Dasa has

warned us to be very careful with the advent and advancement of Kali Yuga

w.r.t

guru's), then one is directed in the path of self correction through

recitation

of prayers for forgiveness and protection from evil

experiences that are destined to come.

 

5. This is the point of Harihara when he was explaining the value of

Prasna. Prasna tells us whether the native has done better or worse Karma

from

his birth till the time of Prasna. Thus Karma done in this life is

immediately

recorded by Chitra Gupta (sitting on the star Chitra -linked to Chitra

paksha

Ayanamsa maybe). [some astrologers advise the worship of Chitra gupta the

assistants of Yama on Chaitra (derived from Chitra) Poornima so that they

may

skip some records of your bad Karma!!!]. This immediate recording results in

an

alteration or influence to the birth/natal chart and has a profound

influence

on the immediate and long term future.

a.. If the Natal Chart planetary positions are better than the Prasna

chart,

then the person has fallen further in this life i.e. accumulated more bad

karma.

b.. If the Natal chart planetary indications are worse than the Prasna

chart

then infer that he has done better Karma in this life, and to that extent

shall

have a better future.

c.. If the indications of the Natal and Prasna chart are the same, then he

is

merely sailing through this life experiences based on the past Karma.

d.. That the effect of this Karma can alter the indications of the Janma

Kundali including Longevity (Please keep calm and read further).

6. It is evident from the above clear statements that the Karma we do in

this life is immediately recorded from the moment the Karma is performed and

has an immediate impact on the future whether immediate or distant or

subsequent births. It is here that another question crops up. This is the

question of FREE WILL. Now, what is free will? It means the power to

determine

the action that one shall take as a consequence to or for the purpose of

some

event or goal. It is a goal directed action and not an involuntary action.

This

is where the question of Upachaya comes up and the houses 3,6,10 & 11 deal

with the actions that one can or

will take given the various inputs from the environment (33% is bounded

rationality like the Simonian model of decision making) . Thus, in the first

place, this action itself is bounded by various inputs and this is called

bounded rationality depending on four factors that are like four boundaries

of

a plot - Information (Knowledge) called BUDDHI [Dharma-Ayana], Resources

that

are focused on VRIDDHI or increase of wealth [Artha-Ayana], Abilities that

fulfil desires based on (the purity of) the purpose SUDDHI [Kaama -Ayana]

and

finally Time that is the final giver of emancipation and end of all Karma

whether Sanchita or Prarabdha

called SIDDHI [Moksha-Ayana]. Here comes the greatest teaching of the Gita

"KARMA IS YOUR BIRTH RIGHT BUT YOU HAVE NO RIGHT (ADHIKARA) ON THE FRUITS".

This adhikara or right to freedom of Action is the only birth right given by

God.

 

Hence Harihara (Prasna Marga) prays

Madhyatavyadhipam Dugdhasindhukanyadhwam Dhiya

Dhiyayami sadhwaham Buddhe Suddhyai Vriddhyai cha Siddhye

 

7. Once again we come to the definiton of the self (SWA) and find that

the

Atma is merely an observer and hence these houses or UPACHAYA for reckoning

the

right to action or exercise of free-will is not at the level of the Atma and

is

merely a process of action and reaction of the Mana and Sareera in this

manifested Universe. Thus, this is only to be seen from the Lagna and

especially, the Moon, especially the tenth house from the Moon. Kalyan Verma

(Saravali) has given a very detailed explanation on the placement of

individual

planets or groups of them in the tenth from the Moon. Why is so much

importance

being given to the

Moon for this free-will? It is the mind where the seed of all action is

generated and hence Moon the Manakaraka is the playground for this Maya to

act

on. This is what the Bhagavat Gita teaches "Give the reigns of the horses

(of

your mind) to Krishna and see how He shall steer you through the battlefield

of

life (Life in the Kali Yuga is viewed as a battle field)". The Rig Veda is

very

clear about the generation of this seed of all action in the mind in

Vishwamitra's prayer to Brihaspati:

 

Suchim-arkair Brihaspatim advareshu namasyate ...(Rig Veda 3.62.6)

May Brihaspati (the Deva Guru -note my earlier explanation to the importance

of

the Diksha Guru and Jupiter) the granter of success (to all our actions -

the

term adhvareshu refers to the inviolable principle or the TRUTH that must

prevail like OM TAT SAT) give us good thoughts (that lead to such actions

that

are inviolable - the inviolable principle also refers to holding back such

thoughts that lead to such Karma that would violate the principles of

Dharma).

 

8. It is evident that this concept of free will is limited to the Mana

and

that too the Upachaya's i.e. those thoughts that are action

related. Having accepted the limited free will concept, we now come to the

method of Vedic remedial measures called Mantra i.e. Mana + Trai or

protection

of the Mana from (a) generating such seeds of evil thought that result in

evil

Karma, as well as (b) protecting against the provocation from the

experiences

of Past karma that can bring anger, sorrow and passion (Rajas) and ignorance

(Tamas) to dominate the Mana and raise the level of the Mana to that of the

Atma (self realisation).

 

9. Please do not read me wrong when I say this. Vivaha (i.e. Marriage and

its specific form) is destined in the form of an

ANUBHAVA and to say that two people were married for so many births or shall

continue together for so many births is fine if you are a priest solemnising

the marriage but not as a Jyotisha. How the Mana will react to the various

experiences that it is subject to and is so confused about (not having the

knowledge of Prarabdha) is what a Jyotisha should be looking for. This is

where

he can guide if he is aware of the pitfalls and troubles that can result

from a

mismatch like Kuja Dosha (that was what had started this thread). I have

done

lots of studies in this area and unlike others have also given out a lot of

'so

called secrets' related to determination of circumstances, timing, Lagna of

spouse, status of family, details about the in-laws and possible troubles

like

mother-in-law problem etc. In fact my writings in this area are very

comprehensive and still, I cannot say with any certainty

that this is the spouse (although I have done this and have later wondered

as

to why I was so sure..an inner feeling that I cannot

explain). In fact the Royal family of Agra will vouch on this, when I was

100%

sure that the two charts Rani-mata had brought were to get married (I also

gave

the time when the boy would agree and what not all). Prasna is a very vital

tool for this.

 

Thank you again for bearing with my Chandrastama problem..( I see transits

from

Natal positions in Navamsa as well). We men are also feminine as we cannot

escape this monthly cycle... HE alone is the Purusha.

 

Om Tat Sat

Sanjay Rath