Jyotisha Sastram – Part 1
A common man on the street perceives that Jyotisha Sastram is synonymous with Astrology. It is not. Astrology is a subject that deals with the planetary positions relevant to place, on the date and at the time of birth with reference to an individual over a period of time in the short term or long term. It is a learned Astrologer who can correctly interpret it to the individual.
Who is a good Astrologer ?
Varahamihira, a time-honored scholar, defined personality traits of a good Astrologer as follows:
– A person who does not hate anyone (adveshi) i.e., who does not have enemies
– Always has pleasant and happy disposition (nitya santoshi)
– An expert in mathematics & Aagama Sastra (ganita – aagama paaragaha)- Has expertise in identifying good and bad signs while fixing muhurtas (muhurta guna – doshajna)
– Is an expert in communication skills in relevant language (vaak-chaaturya)
– Has sharp intelligence (kusala- budhi)
– Has peaceful disposition at all times (saanta-murti)
– Has vaak-suddhi (does not entertain evil thoughts and does not speak evil)
– Has the ability to visualize past, present and future events in one’s life
– Has absolute control over his thoughts, expressions and actions
– Observes all religious duties/functions daily as prescribed in Vedas.
Such a person is considered to be a ‘daivajna’ – a good Astrologer.
Can we find one who satisfies all or substantially many of the criteria mentioned above?
The science of Astrology is a pious subject. Therefore any one who practices Astrology should also be pious to be able to practice and interpret Astrologically. Only then predictions can deliver the best results. It cannot be a commercial activity or a business centre with a profit motive.
Today, the mediocre quality of many astrologers coupled with lack of thorough knowledge of Sanskrit corrupt and dilute the quality of application of Astrology. This damages the reputation of the subject and not the Astrologer per-se who should be blamed.
The available ancient Sanskrit literature on Astrology today is limited. Jaimini Maharshi, Parasara Maharshi and Varaha Mihira are very popular authors and respected from times immemorial. Their works are in Sanskrit and not very easy to understand and practice. These works are known to be precise and exact in predicting the events in an individual’s life. Therefore, the subject is fit to be classified as a “Science.” One modern astrologer with a good reputation is ‘Krishnamurty Paddhati’ known as KP.
Astrology is not a stand-alone subject. It is wholly dependent upon data generated by Indian Almanacs (Panchangas) which in turn depend upon what is known as ‘Khagola Sastra’ or ancient Indian Astronomy. This is the source of all the problems. There are any number of software packages with rival claims.
Public are at the mercy of these mediocre Astrologers. Subject of Astrology is the victim.
To be continued…