Astrological Advice by BRHATSLOKA DASA

My Dear Brihatsloka das Prabhu

BY: PATITA PAVANA DAS ADHIKARY

Mar 01, 2012 — BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA (SUN) —

Our Guru Maharaja is none other than our eternal savior from the cycle of birth and death, which means he has delivered us from the influence of the planets (the great demi-gods who control the material Nature under which we as maverick jivas have fallen). Thank you for taking the time for a "response" in yesterday's edition (though I can't recall writing to you). Nonetheless, as you say, we are old friends. Indeed, we are eternal brothers by the grace of the pure devotee who has become our eternal father by linking us in devotional service to the Supreme Father, Shri Krishna. It is said that by the curse (or blessings, as you see it) of Lord Siva, astrologers will never agree. Therefore, do not take my view which may be construed as contrary to yours as any form of animosity at all, as I do not take any dim view towards yours, though we may disagree.

As you have written, "A Pure Devotee is Never Interested in This Astrology", and who can argue with that? When the pure devotee's planet is Krishn-loka, what need is there for Venus, Saturn or Mars? However, as you have pointed out in your brief article, there is always room for disagreement among the learned, whether sages or pandits. As Shrila Prabhupada used to say of our Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu during His Nimai Pandit lila, "The Lord could establish an argument so that no one could defeat it. Then He could defeat it so that no one could establish it."

And as it is said, "So many munis, so many minds…"

Regarding the letter you quoted from Shrila Prabhupada to Smt Devamaya devi dasi, I happen to have been there in London at 7 Bury Pl., when that letter was received. Obviously, the spiritual master's counsel was perfect for time and circumstances. Let us not go into details here, but if you had been there as I was, and had witnessed the situation, etc., you would know what I am speaking of. Naturally, most astrologers are indeed karmis, as Prabhupada points out in the letter. As devotees we have little use for karmi association. Sometimes a neophyte devotee thinks of astrology, mystical science, as something more than what it is. Though astrology is the subtlest of all sciences, like anything else of this material world it must be kept in its place. Anyone who thinks of astrology and devotional service as sharing anything like an equal platform because both are "mystical" is a great offender.

And this is the problem of amateur mentality that Shrila Prabhupada was addressing in his letter to Smt Devamaya devi. In fact, the astrologer in question was actually a great devotee in his own way. He was a true admirer of Shrila Prabhupada. He was the mystic scholar, Shri Wijaya Ranamukhadevaji of Shri Lanka. I recall that one day when Shrila Prabhupada arrived at Bury Place, Shri Ranamukhadevaji was there. That ingenious fellow always knew how to be in the right place at the right time and how he did so I could never figure out. He would seek me out at various places in London, and he always had a quick lesson in Krishna conscious astrology for me.

Anyway, at this particular meeting he offered his respects by bowing his head to the Paramhamsa. Then Shri Ranamukhadevaji approached the pure devotee and said, "This is Lord Krishna's horoscope in gold" and made the most wonderful loving presentation (of the Supreme Lord's chart engraved onto a golden plate) that these poor old eyes have ever been fortunate to witness. Shrila Prabhupada smiled broadly in return and accepted the present with a casual grace that is hard to describe. Believe me, Prabhu, as it is said, "you had to be there to believe it." It was as though the heavens opened up.

Like anything else, there are karmi astrologers and devotee astrologers. The devotee astrologers are the .00001% and the rest are useless karmis whose advice is nothing more or less than additional entanglement into the very samsara they are claiming to be able to relieve their client from. At that same time in London there was another astrologer, a complete arrogant mayavadi and some unfortunate devotees were learning from this useless rascal also. This nonsense astrologer was trying to compete with Shrila Prabhupada, as many starry-eyed yogis of the day were doing (and failing miserably because they did not know Prabhupada's secret of pure love). Now this mayavadi astrologer had two American students from among the devotees, and both of them became aparadhis towards Shrila Prabhupada and fell down.

As far as my own experiences in astrology are concerned, I broached the subject when I first spoke with His Divine Grace in Santa Fe in 1968 on the day before my initiation. Shrila Prabhupada actually encouraged me by pointing directly at me with the long index finger of his right hand and saying, "Oh you like astrology?" So it is not that astrology is either good or bad, it is the usage of a thing that makes it so. Prabhu, is this not a lesson we all learn the first hour we have entered into devotee association?

On the other hand, my most painful memories of astrology are of the misuse of a great science, a body of learning that was given by Shri Krishna to the world for the light or jyotish of guidance. This abuse occurred soon after the departure of the pure devotee for the Eternal Realm in 1977. I was surprised at how many "devotees" approached me in the library of Hare Krishna Land with the same question. "What day was I born under according to the Vedic calendar?" They wanted to know the lunar masa and tithi under which they had "appeared." After several of these, it occurred to me that these "devotees" were planning Vyasa Puja ceremonies for themselves. It was more than shocking--it was devastating to see this at a time for mourning the loss of the light of the world. So there you have it, Brihat Shloka Prabhu, astrology's misuse in its worse form. As it is said, it is the use of a thing that validates if value.

Shrila Prabhupada actually encouraged me when I used astrology to preach to scholars in collecting his reviews. Indian scholars frequently know or have a fascination for jyotish shastra. For example, when I met the Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College, Poona, Shri HD Sankalia, one of India's best know scholars in the field of archaeology, he was quick to issue us a review. His review was responsible for putting a full set of what BBT India billed as "The Library Encyclopedia of Vedic Knowledge by His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada" into their library. So taken in by our discussion was Dr. Sankalia (his nonsense theories aside) that – believe it or not – the scholar mentioned my astrological reading during our meeting right in the beginning of his autobiography, Born for Archaeology. It is there for the record, Prabhu. I collected hundreds of reviews in this way, and as Tamal Krishna Goswami told me, "Shrila Prabhupada went into bliss as Tamal read to him each one." So, Prabhu, everything has its use in spreading Krishna consciousness, and that too by different means.

As another example, Shrila Prabhupada also thoroughly enjoyed the horoscope reading that I prepared alongside Dr. D. Arkasomayaji of Tirupati, a winner of the India's Presidential Award in Sanskrit and the Secretary of the Tirupati-Tirumala Devasthanam. In fact, His Divine Grace would later comment that, "This is the correct reading." What Shrila Prabhupada enjoyed about Dr. Arkasomayaji's reading is that that the good scholar, a great devotee in his own right, recognized that our Guru Maharaja was none other than an empowered representative (shaktyavesh avatar) of the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna and was India's greatest preacher of sanatana-dharma in the 20th Century. Incidentally, Dr. Arkasomayaji – like so many other astrologers and scholars – fixed Shrila Prabhupada's lagna at Dhanush, pointing out that this gave the rare combination of two husband-and-wife yogas. Present are Lakshmi Yoga and Hari Yoga. And Brahma Yoga and Saraswati Yoga. Very, very rare to find all these side by side. However, let this discussion not descend into a discussion of the pure devotee's lagna, our point here is to reply once and for all to your letter so that we are able to leave it at that and that further correspondence on the matter may not be entertained.

Many devotees point out how Shrila Prabhupada consulted Ashutosh Ohja as he was leaving this world. Actually a few years later Ashutosh, looking for clients, would eventually become initiated by Hansadutta as Gargamuni das. Ashutosh's father was the great astrologer, Gopesh Kumar Kumar Ohja, whose book, Predictive Astrology of the Hindus remains to this day one of the best basic texts of Parashari Jyotish. However, the son corrupted the father's purely Vedic understanding by introducing Western concepts of astrology into the original, let us say parampara, system.

So why did the pure devotee entertain the opinions of Ashutosh Ohja in his final months in Vrindavana? Ashutosh eventually became a serious devotee in his last days. He wrote to Hari Sauri Prabhu for recordings of Shrila Prabhupada's bhajans when his departure was nigh and Ashutosh left this world absorbed in thoughts of the pure devotee. For the divine representative of Lord Krishna taught us to use whatever energy of this world can be employed in the divine service of the Supreme Lord. And to my mind that would include astrology

As far as our personal views are concerned, there is certainly a place for astrology in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Do you remember in the early days, how many devotees said that they "wanted to serve Krishna like Shrila Bhaktivinode Thakur", as grihastas? As time marched on, we found that, no, devotees are not so advanced. Talk of "serving in the mood of the great Kedarnath Datta" soon dissipated as ISKCON's record of divorce rivaled the karmis whose lifestyle we preached against. Talk is cheap and soon the fidelity of man and wife no longer played such an important role in the preaching of devotees. The fact was that our words no longer lived up to our unfortunate examples.

My purpose is not to criticize though in the event of misuse and misunderstanding criticism becomes inevitable. At times, it is the job of the elder to criticize. But the fact is that marital incompatibility which is not sanctified with a nod to the message of the stars will likely either not last or the disharmony in the mutual vibrations of the couple will create unhappy events in the matter of finances, childbirth, etc. As one astrologer pointed out to me, "Who has given this light? It was given to us by Shri Krishna Himself!"

Of course, the first element in marriage is that the couple must both be devotees. This was emphasized by our spiritual master and no amount of astrology can save a marriage wherein one is not a bhakta. However, the next factor is that the two devotees united in sacred wedlock should be astrologically compatible. This is clearly stated by Shrila Prabhupada in the Bhagavatam, as discussed here. When I began a study of Vedic astrology in 1971, having rejected the bogus Western counterpart, it was my intention then as now to see that Krishna consciousness' varnashram dharma program continue to expand through compatible, happy and content marriages centered upon the devotional principles that Shrila Prabhupada laid down. Let me say that to this end, if you will allow it, my wife Abhaya Mudra dasi – whose abilities in jyotish I find not only charming but astounding – and I are creating The Bhrigu Project. We are over half a million words into it and our hope is that it will serve the cause of devotional service. A reading from our Bhrigu Project introduces the devotee to his horoscope without any intrusion onto his or her Krishna consciousness. It is presented merely as adjunct brahminical knowledge, useful to a devotee, but not something that he is meant to become fanatical about. It is the advice of the stars and may be consulted along with other forms of advice in making decisions. The light of jyotish, though an illumination on the path, is not the only light. The light of the counsel of loving devotees remains supreme. In fine, as Sage Narada Devarshi instructs Shrila Vyasadeva, the illustrious son of Shri Parashara, the esteemed Father of Vedic Astrology (SB 1.5.33):

amayo yash cha bhutanam jayate yena suvrata
tad eva hy amayam dravyam na punati chikitsitam

"O good soul, does not a thing, applied therapeutically, cure a disease which was caused by that very same thing?"

We note that, as you say in your letter that "after thousands of hours of study" that – to quote you – "when you give someone a reading, most never take up your advice anyway." As far as we are concerned, our practices of jyotish shastra, despite our own vast and undeniable limitations, are showered with the blessings of our spiritual master. We have celebrated several successes that we feel edify that belief. No doubt the subject of astrology is one that begets eternal quibbling. We do not have more time for it and must end the topic here since our own service to the Supreme Lord calls to us. Thanks again for your letter, Prabhu.

Patita Pavana das Adhikary

Replies

Welcome March 3, 2012 7:41

My Dear Brihatsloka das Prabhu

BY: PATITA PAVANA DAS ADHIKARY

Mar 01, 2012 — BLAGOEVGRAD, BULGARIA (SUN) —

Our Guru Maharaja is none other than our eternal savior from the cycle of birth and death, which means he has delivered us from the influence of the planets (the great demi-gods who control the material Nature under which we as maverick jivas have fallen). Thank you for taking the time for a "response" in yesterday's edition (though I can't recall writing to you). Nonetheless, as you say, we are old friends. Indeed, we are eternal brothers by the grace of the pure devotee who has become our eternal father by linking us in devotional service to the Supreme Father, Shri Krishna. It is said that by the curse (or blessings, as you see it) of Lord Siva, astrologers will never agree. Therefore, do not take my view which may be construed as contrary to yours as any form of animosity at all, as I do not take any dim view towards yours, though we may disagree.

As you have written, "A Pure Devotee is Never Interested in This Astrology", and who can argue with that? When the pure devotee's planet is Krishn-loka, what need is there for Venus, Saturn or Mars? However, as you have pointed out in your brief article, there is always room for disagreement among the learned, whether sages or pandits. As Shrila Prabhupada used to say of our Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu during His Nimai Pandit lila, "The Lord could establish an argument so that no one could defeat it. Then He could defeat it so that no one could establish it."

And as it is said, "So many munis, so many minds…"

Regarding the letter you quoted from Shrila Prabhupada to Smt Devamaya devi dasi, I happen to have been there in London at 7 Bury Pl., when that letter was received. Obviously, the spiritual master's counsel was perfect for time and circumstances. Let us not go into details here, but if you had been there as I was, and had witnessed the situation, etc., you would know what I am speaking of. Naturally, most astrologers are indeed karmis, as Prabhupada points out in the letter. As devotees we have little use for karmi association. Sometimes a neophyte devotee thinks of astrology, mystical science, as something more than what it is. Though astrology is the subtlest of all sciences, like anything else of this material world it must be kept in its place. Anyone who thinks of astrology and devotional service as sharing anything like an equal platform because both are "mystical" is a great offender.

And this is the problem of amateur mentality that Shrila Prabhupada was addressing in his letter to Smt Devamaya devi. In fact, the astrologer in question was actually a great devotee in his own way. He was a true admirer of Shrila Prabhupada. He was the mystic scholar, Shri Wijaya Ranamukhadevaji of Shri Lanka. I recall that one day when Shrila Prabhupada arrived at Bury Place, Shri Ranamukhadevaji was there. That ingenious fellow always knew how to be in the right place at the right time and how he did so I could never figure out. He would seek me out at various places in London, and he always had a quick lesson in Krishna conscious astrology for me.

Anyway, at this particular meeting he offered his respects by bowing his head to the Paramhamsa. Then Shri Ranamukhadevaji approached the pure devotee and said, "This is Lord Krishna's horoscope in gold" and made the most wonderful loving presentation (of the Supreme Lord's chart engraved onto a golden plate) that these poor old eyes have ever been fortunate to witness. Shrila Prabhupada smiled broadly in return and accepted the present with a casual grace that is hard to describe. Believe me, Prabhu, as it is said, "you had to be there to believe it." It was as though the heavens opened up.

Like anything else, there are karmi astrologers and devotee astrologers. The devotee astrologers are the .00001% and the rest are useless karmis whose advice is nothing more or less than additional entanglement into the very samsara they are claiming to be able to relieve their client from. At that same time in London there was another astrologer, a complete arrogant mayavadi and some unfortunate devotees were learning from this useless rascal also. This nonsense astrologer was trying to compete with Shrila Prabhupada, as many starry-eyed yogis of the day were doing (and failing miserably because they did not know Prabhupada's secret of pure love). Now this mayavadi astrologer had two American students from among the devotees, and both of them became aparadhis towards Shrila Prabhupada and fell down.

As far as my own experiences in astrology are concerned, I broached the subject when I first spoke with His Divine Grace in Santa Fe in 1968 on the day before my initiation. Shrila Prabhupada actually encouraged me by pointing directly at me with the long index finger of his right hand and saying, "Oh you like astrology?" So it is not that astrology is either good or bad, it is the usage of a thing that makes it so. Prabhu, is this not a lesson we all learn the first hour we have entered into devotee association?

On the other hand, my most painful memories of astrology are of the misuse of a great science, a body of learning that was given by Shri Krishna to the world for the light or jyotish of guidance. This abuse occurred soon after the departure of the pure devotee for the Eternal Realm in 1977. I was surprised at how many "devotees" approached me in the library of Hare Krishna Land with the same question. "What day was I born under according to the Vedic calendar?" They wanted to know the lunar masa and tithi under which they had "appeared." After several of these, it occurred to me that these "devotees" were planning Vyasa Puja ceremonies for themselves. It was more than shocking--it was devastating to see this at a time for mourning the loss of the light of the world. So there you have it, Brihat Shloka Prabhu, astrology's misuse in its worse form. As it is said, it is the use of a thing that validates if value.

Shrila Prabhupada actually encouraged me when I used astrology to preach to scholars in collecting his reviews. Indian scholars frequently know or have a fascination for jyotish shastra. For example, when I met the Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College, Poona, Shri HD Sankalia, one of India's best know scholars in the field of archaeology, he was quick to issue us a review. His review was responsible for putting a full set of what BBT India billed as "The Library Encyclopedia of Vedic Knowledge by His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada" into their library. So taken in by our discussion was Dr. Sankalia (his nonsense theories aside) that – believe it or not – the scholar mentioned my astrological reading during our meeting right in the beginning of his autobiography, Born for Archaeology. It is there for the record, Prabhu. I collected hundreds of reviews in this way, and as Tamal Krishna Goswami told me, "Shrila Prabhupada went into bliss as Tamal read to him each one." So, Prabhu, everything has its use in spreading Krishna consciousness, and that too by different means.

As another example, Shrila Prabhupada also thoroughly enjoyed the horoscope reading that I prepared alongside Dr. D. Arkasomayaji of Tirupati, a winner of the India's Presidential Award in Sanskrit and the Secretary of the Tirupati-Tirumala Devasthanam. In fact, His Divine Grace would later comment that, "This is the correct reading." What Shrila Prabhupada enjoyed about Dr. Arkasomayaji's reading is that that the good scholar, a great devotee in his own right, recognized that our Guru Maharaja was none other than an empowered representative (shaktyavesh avatar) of the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna and was India's greatest preacher of sanatana-dharma in the 20th Century. Incidentally, Dr. Arkasomayaji – like so many other astrologers and scholars – fixed Shrila Prabhupada's lagna at Dhanush, pointing out that this gave the rare combination of two husband-and-wife yogas. Present are Lakshmi Yoga and Hari Yoga. And Brahma Yoga and Saraswati Yoga. Very, very rare to find all these side by side. However, let this discussion not descend into a discussion of the pure devotee's lagna, our point here is to reply once and for all to your letter so that we are able to leave it at that and that further correspondence on the matter may not be entertained.

Many devotees point out how Shrila Prabhupada consulted Ashutosh Ohja as he was leaving this world. Actually a few years later Ashutosh, looking for clients, would eventually become initiated by Hansadutta as Gargamuni das. Ashutosh's father was the great astrologer, Gopesh Kumar Kumar Ohja, whose book, Predictive Astrology of the Hindus remains to this day one of the best basic texts of Parashari Jyotish. However, the son corrupted the father's purely Vedic understanding by introducing Western concepts of astrology into the original, let us say parampara, system.

So why did the pure devotee entertain the opinions of Ashutosh Ohja in his final months in Vrindavana? Ashutosh eventually became a serious devotee in his last days. He wrote to Hari Sauri Prabhu for recordings of Shrila Prabhupada's bhajans when his departure was nigh and Ashutosh left this world absorbed in thoughts of the pure devotee. For the divine representative of Lord Krishna taught us to use whatever energy of this world can be employed in the divine service of the Supreme Lord. And to my mind that would include astrology

As far as our personal views are concerned, there is certainly a place for astrology in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Do you remember in the early days, how many devotees said that they "wanted to serve Krishna like Shrila Bhaktivinode Thakur", as grihastas? As time marched on, we found that, no, devotees are not so advanced. Talk of "serving in the mood of the great Kedarnath Datta" soon dissipated as ISKCON's record of divorce rivaled the karmis whose lifestyle we preached against. Talk is cheap and soon the fidelity of man and wife no longer played such an important role in the preaching of devotees. The fact was that our words no longer lived up to our unfortunate examples.

My purpose is not to criticize though in the event of misuse and misunderstanding criticism becomes inevitable. At times, it is the job of the elder to criticize. But the fact is that marital incompatibility which is not sanctified with a nod to the message of the stars will likely either not last or the disharmony in the mutual vibrations of the couple will create unhappy events in the matter of finances, childbirth, etc. As one astrologer pointed out to me, "Who has given this light? It was given to us by Shri Krishna Himself!"

Of course, the first element in marriage is that the couple must both be devotees. This was emphasized by our spiritual master and no amount of astrology can save a marriage wherein one is not a bhakta. However, the next factor is that the two devotees united in sacred wedlock should be astrologically compatible. This is clearly stated by Shrila Prabhupada in the Bhagavatam, as discussed here. When I began a study of Vedic astrology in 1971, having rejected the bogus Western counterpart, it was my intention then as now to see that Krishna consciousness' varnashram dharma program continue to expand through compatible, happy and content marriages centered upon the devotional principles that Shrila Prabhupada laid down. Let me say that to this end, if you will allow it, my wife Abhaya Mudra dasi – whose abilities in jyotish I find not only charming but astounding – and I are creating The Bhrigu Project. We are over half a million words into it and our hope is that it will serve the cause of devotional service. A reading from our Bhrigu Project introduces the devotee to his horoscope without any intrusion onto his or her Krishna consciousness. It is presented merely as adjunct brahminical knowledge, useful to a devotee, but not something that he is meant to become fanatical about. It is the advice of the stars and may be consulted along with other forms of advice in making decisions. The light of jyotish, though an illumination on the path, is not the only light. The light of the counsel of loving devotees remains supreme. In fine, as Sage Narada Devarshi instructs Shrila Vyasadeva, the illustrious son of Shri Parashara, the esteemed Father of Vedic Astrology (SB 1.5.33):

amayo yash cha bhutanam jayate yena suvrata
tad eva hy amayam dravyam na punati chikitsitam

"O good soul, does not a thing, applied therapeutically, cure a disease which was caused by that very same thing?"

We note that, as you say in your letter that "after thousands of hours of study" that – to quote you – "when you give someone a reading, most never take up your advice anyway." As far as we are concerned, our practices of jyotish shastra, despite our own vast and undeniable limitations, are showered with the blessings of our spiritual master. We have celebrated several successes that we feel edify that belief. No doubt the subject of astrology is one that begets eternal quibbling. We do not have more time for it and must end the topic here since our own service to the Supreme Lord calls to us. Thanks again for your letter, Prabhu.

Patita Pavana das Adhikary
- 0kc3b3sbs584u > Welcome March 4, 2012 5:44
  
  Very nice article! Thank you for adding it here Prabhuji! It is always important to have a big picture, not only a piece of it. Yes, everything can be used in spirit of devotion and Krsna consciousness. Haribol! AGTSP!
Welcome March 4, 2012 2:52

Devotee Astrolgers

BY: BRHATSLOKA DAS

Mar 03, 2012 — USA (SUN) —

In reply to Patita Pavan's Prabhu's response to my short article on astrology, I very much appreciate everything you have stated and I hope you where not offend in any way. I understand you are a very qualified devotee astrologer. Though I have seen other devotee astrologers who have wrecked havoc in the lives of devotees, even calling them "demons" because of what they interpreted in their horoscopes.

Again, please forgive me if I wasn't clear in what I was trying to convey

Always your servant,

Brhatsloka das

This reply was deleted.