Timing of Spiritual Events Author : Smt B. Lakshmi Ramesh Jyotish Guru & Guide: Pt. Sanjay Rath
1.
The need for Spirituality
2.
Spiritual importance of Navamsa
3.
What is a spiritual event?
4.
Sri Chakra
5.
Atma Kaaraka Kendradi Rasi Dasa
6.
Chart studies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Sri Satya Sai Baba Sri Ramana Maharshi Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Paramahamsa Sri Aurobindo Swami Vivekananda Paramahamsa Yogananda Sri Annamacharya
7.
Conclusion
8.
References
1.
The need for Spirituality Spirituality
“Man doth not live by bread alone” is a saying often heard by all of us. If that were not so, man would have been content to remain a cave man and there would have been none of those brilliant discoveries and none of that taut intellectual negotiating for achieving th the seemingly impossible. Interestingly, an examination of the zodiacal 9 house, Sagittarius, exactly reveals this kind of perennial urge for growth as the defining feature th of man. Now, why do I want to focus only on the 9 house and not on any other house? It th is because 9 house is the house of our past and holds the seed of our future. Dhanus as the natural 9th house shows a beast emerging into a man and further evolving into an iconic bow & arrow being aimed at the sky - symbolizing a supple consciousness arching upwards. Dhanus shows successive refining of spirit by the progressive shedding th of gross tattwa / body /concerns. Thus the 9 house reflects the archetypal inner struggle between the mundane and the divine, between multiplicity and unity, between the beast and the Brahma. It indicates a willful channeling of energy towards transcending of confining body and conflicting needs…a gathering inner momentum resulting in growing away against gravitation into a more mobile, minimalistic mode of self. So, naturally it is also the debilitation place of Rahu (Maya) and the exaltation point of Realization (Ketu). The four sturdy legs of centaur also represent dharma and from which arises the Archer, th ready to act. Thus, 9 house also indicates the interactive space between the known and the unknown, between the finite and Infinite. The house of dreams. Keeping all these things in view and perhaps many more which are hidden from our muddled mundane vision, the Rishis averred that the strength of navamsa is essential for th fulfillment of the promise held out by the rasi chart, because the 9 house and the navamsa indicate the soul-force of the native. Further, navamsa assesses the strength of a planet in a particular environment. Navamsa placements are a comment on the enabling / disabling features of the environment environment in which a planet is placed. Hence, the Rishis have singled out the navamsa and not any other chart for defining the all important Karakamsa (house in which AK is posited) and a host of personal deities who would guide the native to personal fulfillment.
2.
Spiritual Importance of Navamsa
The importance of Navamsa in vedic-astrology is self-evident can not be stressed further. No accomplished astrologer would deem his prediction comprehensive unless it is backed by an extensive analysis of navamsa. All eminent astrologers, right from Sage Parasara to down to Sri B.V. Raman had emphasized the importance of Navamsa in judging a th horoscope. The 9 house itself is representative of dharma (Dharma devata), Father & th th bhagya (Palana devata) and Guru (Guru devata). 9 house is also the 10 house from the th 12 house (Ishta devata)or the mokshasthana and it is ultimately the outcome of performing one’s dharma which determines one’s eligibility eligibilit y for moksha. Thus, the D-9, th or the navamsa which is an enlarged image of the 9 house forms the fulcrum of the four purusharthaas, Dharma, Artha and Moksha, as detailed above, and “right” Kaama too,
since it is essential to check navamsa for all spousal matters. Only a person who experiences all these phases and overcomes all desire, yes,…even for moksha, is competent enough to qualify for the final liberation.
3.
What is a Spiritual event?
A spiritual experience / event is one which indefinably transforms and catapults the being onto a higher plane. By affording one an intimate brush with the Infinite, this event triggers in the man a mystical yearning for the Unknown. Such a soul, which had been touched by Cosmic Synergy pulses with power and radiance; and like the Naraayanaasthra poised to fly from the bow of Shiva, and is vibrant, sure, epiphanic ..and is a part of eternal Brahman himself. A spiritual event opens a dramatic window into the higher realms, so that we are afforded a glimpse of the exquisite vistas contained therein. Whether that window would close or expand into a threshold of everlasting ecstasy, would depend on quite a few points.
4.
Sri Chakra
If rasi chart is representative of Sun, then navamsa is the equivalent of Moon (hence indicates spouse?) and for sustenance of all sorts, strength of planets in navamsa is essential. Thus it automatically follows that while Rasi represents the body, navamsa represents the strength of mind. We have come across many instances in life where physical handicaps were overcome by sheer perseverance and internal shakti, but if the mind itself is flawed, then the damage caused even to a healthy body is usually irreparable. So is the case with Rasi and navamsa. Since navamsa is likened to the Moon, I thought of approaching the topic of spirituality from the exalted perspective of Sri Chakra. I fervently hope that the Divine Mother and the discerning readers would excuse my temerity and the inadvertent errors that are bound to creep into an endeavour of this magnitude. The Sri Chakra is Unified representation of the Created and the Creator(s). It is the most sacred diagrammatic representation of Paraa Shakti or the Cosmic Creative Energy and indicates the blissful union of Shiva and Parvathi, The Universal Parents, who in Kalidasa’s immortal words, are united like the word and its meaning.
While the general impression is that Sri Chakra is a powerful tantric symbol, which can be worshipped to gain material benefits, the truth is that Sri Chakra offers unparalleled
and unique philosophical insights into the Universe and its mystic workings and an unselfish worship of the Sri Chakra can bestow on the native untold spiritual wealth. Sri Vidya, (also known as Aatma Vidya, Maha Vidya) or the knowledge of Sri Chakra was first given by Lord Shiva, the Parama Guru to Parvathi, who is embodiment of Sri Vidya Herself, for the benefit of mankind. Next in the hierarchy of Guru Parampara comes Lord Hayagreeva who passed it on to Sage Agasthaya, who had figuratively drunk the ocean (of knowledge?). This list of Celestials involved in dissemination of Sri Vidya itself vouches for its high spiritual relevance. Astrologically speaking, if you take Hayagreeva to represent Aries, Dakshinamurthy to represent Sagittarius, and Sage Agasthya Aquarius ( Kumbha sambhava) and Leo, being th the natural 5 house, to represent the universal Creative Principle, you’d see the trinal th aspects formed by the divinities, while Agasthya gets the direct 7 house aspect! Anyway, coming back to the subject, the following sloka beautifully illustrates the gist of Shiva’s teachings
!"#$%& '()&!")& *+)&!,))&! )-!)!.! Lord Shiva taught Sri Vidya to the Divine Mother, saying that Sri Chakra is representative of the pancha bhutas, tanmatras, indriyas (both gynaana as well as karma), and manas. In this manner, the outer Sri Chakra represents Prakriti or the maayik perceptible world, while the Central Bindu is indicative of the Purusha or Imperceptible Supreme Being or the Core Energy from which all had sprung. Thus, while Sri Chakra is a potent symbol illustrating the eternal principle of polarity, at the same time it demonstrates the fact that this apparent dualism is nothing but the illusion of the ignorant and in truth, the Perceptible and Imperceptible are but different expressions of the same Principle. Sri Chakra is basically composed of nine levels, called nava-aavarana, and each level is guarded by Mantra devatas. Srichakra contains within itself the essence of the whole
process of genesis and the destruction of the world, that is the Srishti Kramam (Process of Creation) and Samharaa kramam (Process of Dissolution). There is also a Sthithi kramam, but since the processes of Srishti and Sthithi kramams are not relevant to our discussion, I’ll confine myself only to the Samhaara Kramam or the Process of Dissolution. This spiritual issue was not decided by me, but by the very sequence of dissemination of Sri Vidya. The readers may note that there is a slight difference between the Srishti kramana delineated in Vishnu Purana and other Puranas. While Vayu tattwa follows Akasa Tattwa there in the order of creation, here vayu tattwa comes above Prithvi tattwa, as control of breath/Vayu tattwa holds the key to yoga or Samadhi. In this connection, when I refer to th Samhaara kramam, it is not Death, but very much about a deathlike state, or Samadhi (8 house or A8) whereby the Atma reaches the Paramatma. Death is a state of loss of identity, of ego, of emotions, of attachments. It’s an irrevocable end to a lifetime of enmities, of anger. Hence this “I”-less state is the perfect interface to approach God. I am sure, by now, all of you are wondering, albeit politely, what this lengthy discussion on Sri Chakra has to do with astrology? Please bear with me for a few more seconds. Sri Bhaskara Raayalu had explained the following in his “Kaulikaartham”
"/012 ',31)! That the nine aavaranas or chakras in Sri Chakram symbolize the navagrahas
,4/.56!'(.7.! 8!9:;<= ,:)! That the 12 rasis are represented in Sri Chakram
6">?"@?!'A? B',CD"-)! That the 27 nakshatras are included in Sri chakra.
If metaphysical basics like pancha tattwa, the creation, maaya, samadhi, dissolution, and astrological basics like navagrahas, rasis and nakshatras are included in this preface, then I am sure that you agree that we are indeed cruising along the prescribed path to understanding spiritual astrology. The following table lists the 9 levels and their occurrence at the appropriate degrees.
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Name of the Chakra / Aavarana Trailokya Mohana chakra • Sarva Aashaa paripooraka • charka Sarva Samkshobhana charka • o Sarva Saubhaagya daayaka charka Sarva Artha saadhaka • charka Sarva Rakshaakara Chakra • Sarva Rogahara chakra • Sarva Siddhiprada chakra • Sarva Aanandamaya charka •
* meanings given at the end of the article.
Degrees 0.00-3.20 3.21-6.40
Ruler Rahu Mercury
Tattwa
Kosha
Prithvi
Annamaya
6.41-10.00 10.01-13.20
Saturn Venus
Vaayu Jala
PraaNamaya Manomaya
13.21-16.40
Moon
-do-
-do-
16.41-20.00 20.01-23.20 23.21-26.40 26.41-30.00
Mars Sun Jupiter Ketu
Agni -doAkaasa
Vignyanamaya -doAnandamaya
From the above, I think, it is apparent that the greater degrees a planet occupies, the more advanced it would be on the path to spiritual realization and more empowered to lead one to moksha. This concept is not a new one and is the basic theory of Atmakaraka expounded by Sage Parasara and Jaimini. If one tries to compare the chara karaka scheme also with this concept, it would match wonderfully. The only difference would be that in Srishti Kramam, the chara karaka scheme would exclude Ketu and include Rahu, while in Samhaara Kramam, by which we are presently trying to gauge the spiritual maturity of the native, Ketu is taken into reckoning, while Rahu is left out. Rahu and Ketu being disembodied energies, they point to the direction of focus/energy of the native. The higher degrees the Atmakaraka occupies in a chart the greater and sooner would be the scope for Self-realization. Infact, it is true of entire Jaimini philosophy that the greater degrees a planet attains, the greater is its strength. Perhaps we can extend this analogy to the ascendant, as the spiritual journey is more of a “bodied” effort than a “disembodied” one. It also matters that the body (Lagna) and mind (Moon) stay attuned with the soul for this purpose and hence the dictum that if lagna falls in the last navamsa / degrees of a sign, then the native would become a muni / parivrajaka comes to mind, provided benefic influence is present. Yoga precisely seeks to achieve this kind of synergy. It seeks to reverse the direction of the energies of lower chakras (Rahu-downward direction) and align them with the higher energies, the kundalini, in the upward direction, ruled by Ketu. This kind of synthesis of opposing energies is again not new to astrology and is reflected in the higher divisional charts ruling the abstract mental plane, like D-16, D-20, D-24, where Rahu and Ketu are
conjoined in the same house. This is also borne out by the Ashtamurthi aspect of Shiva, the Ashta Prakriti aspect of Divine Mother and the ashtakshari mantra of Narayana. Thus when we are examining the process of self-effacement, or dissolution, Ketu becomes the AK, the Atma, that only Deathless Aspect of ourselves, and the reckoning of chara karakas proceeds in a descending order till Mercury. Beyond Ketu lies The Source or the Ishta Devata, who alone can give the native the final decisive tug to moksha. And indeed, when we examine some celebrated charts, it would become apparent, it’s not only mere physical yoga which corrects the anomalies in body-mind-soul attunement, amazingly the yoga with Ishta devata serves to a greater extent a similar purpose. Whenever the Ascendant (body), Moon (mind) and Atmakaraka (Soul), in D-1 chart, were influenced by Ishta devata, it is seen that the native was guided speedily towards his goal, provided other indications for spirituality are there. Infact, it is also seen in quite a few charts, where yoga and similar methodologies had not been expressly followed by the native to correct the above mentioned anamolies, personal deities (or karaka, like the Sun for lagna) are found to be associated with the weakest among the lagna-Moon-AK triad, as a correcting mechanism, to lead the native to divine consciousness. th
The Brihat Parasara Hora sastra mentions the positioning of Ketu or Upaketu in the 12 from Karakamsa/Atmakaraka as a pointer to the spirituality and attainment of moksha of the native. Parivraja Yoga, Sadhu yoga, Tapaswi Yoga all sooner or later lead the native to Moksha. The readers are requested to refer to the great Classics for an indepth understanding of the same. Why do malefics make better Atmakarakas?
From my perspective, the above theory not only clarifies the concept of Atmakaraka, but also indicates why malefics as Atmakaraka make the native much more spiritual than benefics. I think it is not just the endeavour of men to become more sattwik, it applies equally to the grahas. All grahas in their exaltation indicate the divine nature or become benefics. It is also supported by Sri B.V. Raman that strong malefics give good results. It is only when weak, that all planets, whether benefic or malefic, give bad results. I think all would agree that exaltation shows the best (sattwa guna) of the planet while debilitation reflects the worst (tamoguna)of the planet. I think it is common knowledge that all saatwik / benefic planets get exalted in the early degrees of the zodiac, that is in the first half of the zodiac and get debilitated in the second half of zodiac. It follows that all malefics get exalted in the later half of the zodiac. When I say all benefics, I am sure you have observed that Venus acts contrary to this principle, so how would you rate Venus, as a benefic or as a malefic? It is also seen that sattwik/benefic planets are more responsive, (i.e., either exaltation or debilitation) in the earlier degrees of a sign while malefics are more responsive in the latter half of the sign. When we talk of Atmakaraka, we are definitely talking about the planet most advanced in degrees in any sign, and it is obvious from the above theory that malefics are most sattwik, responsive and more spiritually empowered to “act” in the advanced degrees, while with benefics it could be just the reverse.
From the above figure it is seen that the chakras closest to the Cosmic Centre are Sarva Anandamaya charka (Ketu-AK), Sarva Siddhiprada Chakra (Jupiter-AmK) and Sarva rogahara charka. They represent the highest levels of evolution and are Devata Karakas. While deities governing moksha, i.e., Dharma Devata and Ishta Devata, are determined from Ketu/Atmakaraka, deity governing sustenance, i.e., Palana Devata, is determined from the Jupiter/AmK, and the Guru Devata is seen from the Sun /BK, the Destroyer of Darkness or avidya. th
th
Thus it follows that the Lagna, 8 house, Vimsamsa & A8, 12 house, AK, Karakamsa and Personal deities, especially the Ishta Devata and dasas associated with them have an indispensable role to play in hastening the native towards Self-Realisation. 5.
Atma Kaaraka Kendradi Rasi Dasa
Kaaraka Kendradi Dasa is a part of system of dasas called the Kendradi Dasas, calculated with reference to multiple reference points, like the lagna, moon and the atmakaraka. Kendraadi dasas can be of two types, one based on the signs / rasis and the other based on planets/grahas. We have seen that Atmakaraka is the single most important planet leading one to moksha. Hence, Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa has been chosen to examine and explore the experiences of soul in spiritual environment. Since kendras symbolize the will of Narayana and the energies helping the native, the Atma Kaaraka Kendradi Dasa indicates periods of great spirituality and significance in the native's life. For details of dasa calculation and progression, the readers are requested to refer to Chapter 48 of Brihat Parasara Hora sastra andto Vedic Astrology – An Integrated Approach by Sri P.V.R. Narasimha Rao.
Lord Krishna assured the world in Bhagavat Gita that whenever there is a fall in Dharma, He would descend to the earth in many “avatars” to restore Dharma to its natural dignity. In accordance with His promise, the earth is periodically privileged by the rare appearances of the Merciful Lord in the guise of great sages and saints, who through their exemplary lifestyles and miraculous powers uphold Dharma to shelter righteous people under its umbrella (Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshitah), as He had done at the time of Govardhana Uddhara. Like powerful beacons, these Inspiring Personages guide our floundering souls safely to the spiritual shore. The following are a few among those who redeem(ed) the world by being a part of it.
6.
Chart Studies
6.1
Sri Satya Sai Baba
The celebrated mystic of Puttaparthi is an outstanding example of the Supreme Soul’s continued adherence to His promise. Miracles are as much a part and parcel of his birth and his life as are his inspiring presence and eloquent speeches.
Though the difference between him and the other people was obvious from the beginning, a mysterious incident occurred that irrevocably steered the lad the spiritual way, when Satyanarayana (the earlier name of Sri Sai Baba) was thirteen. One day while playing outside, he leaped into the air with a shriek, holding his bare foot, as though stung by a scorpion (lagna acting nup?) and his life was feared for. Though the night was uneventful, twenty-four hours later, he fell unconscious and remained so for a day. When he regained consciousness, then began a saga of spiritual awakening, alternating between periods of consciousness and trances. He often became ecstatic, explained complicated religious doctrines and effortlessly quoted long Sanskrit passages of poetry and philosophy far beyond his academic scope. Fearing that the boy was possessed by evil spirits, his parents subjected him to considerable torture for 2 months, after which the boy declared himself to be an incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. From that day he became a refuge for the physically and spiritually troubled and his miracles are legion.
Mystic events in March 1940 Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Ar: 1939-03-20 (6:23:00 am) - 1948-07-30 (6:23:00 am) Ta: 1939-12-30 (6:23:00 am) - 1940-10-10 (6:23:00 am)
Mystic Scorpio rises with 4 planets in it, a sure sign of parivraja yoga, which is reinforced rd th by the presence of Mercury (a benefic in the 3 from AL) and also the 8 lord, in lagna. The multiple miracles of Baba also stem from this source of siddhi and the Shakti yoga th occurring in the 8 house. Navamsa lagna is the sign of Ishta devata indicating the native th as a divine manifestation. Ketu is in the 12 from AK both in Rasi and Navamsa, hinting at the spiritual lustre of the Guru. It is in the dasa of Aries and antardasa of Taurus that Satya Narayana became transmuted into Satya Sai. Aries is the paka lagna and posits the strong lagna lord Mars who aspects the lagna in turn. It can also be seen that Aries is the th th 9 house from navamsa lagna while Taurus is the 9 from Karakamsa, the house of th Dharma devata. Aries is also the vimsamsa lagna and Mars is the 8 lord too. Hence here we see the confluence of body, mind, intelligence, soul and saadhana being directed wholly towards performance of his dharma life after life. The Ishta devata (s) Saturn, and Sun (whose results Ketu would give), are posited in the lagna. Of the lagna-Moon-AK triad lagna is the weakest and the house of Ishta devata is ruled by Sun. 6.2
Sri Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi was the gentle sage whose presence graced the town of Tiruvannamai during the 20th century. He was known as the silent saint whose peaceful demeanour and piercing gaze subtly transformed the lives of those who came into his presence. He exhorted people to look within and meditate on whether they were actually the body or the spirit within. His powerful example influenced many people to identify the inner self same as the Eternal One behind various exteriors and varying awarenesses.
Virtual death experience Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Sg: 1891-10-28 (1:09:00 am) - 1897-03-30 (1:09:00 am) Li: 1896-10-16 (1:09:00 am) - 1897-03-30 (1:09:00 am)
The sage was physically very strong when young, before his enlightenment, as is evident from vargottama lagna, and aspect of a very strong Mars. That his path was one of th unboubted spirituality is seen from the placement of Ketu in the 12 from AK in th Navamsa and Jup in the 6 from AL. A great spiritual experience at 16-17 years of life made him walk away from home to Tiruvannamalai . Mars is the Bhratri Karaka and it is precisely the mention of Arunachala (literally “The Red Hill”) that initiated the process of great self-enquiry (Who am I?) that was to change the course of his life and distinguish his particular genre of philosophy. The Arunachala drew Sri Ramana like a magnet. Incidentally Sri Ramana was also known as the incarnation of Skandha, hence Mars influences rasi, navamsa, dasamsa, vimsamsa and Shastiamsa lagnas.
As he delved deeper and deeper into himself, mauna or silence became his saadhana, th which is borne out by the placement of Saturn, ruler of Visuddha chakra and the 8 lord, nd placed in 2 house in vimsamsa. This particular Mars-Saturn combination leading to self-actualization is seen in the decisive Sagittarius -Libra AK kendraadi rasi dasa, as these signs disposit Saturn and Mars respectively. Saturn is powerfully aspected by the th AK Moon and Sagittarius being in the 7 from AK, the experience which led Sri Ramana to rapid Self-Realization, was the virtual experience of death! The Ishta Devata Ketu is conjunct Moon (AK) in Rasi chart, ensuring that the mind & soul remained detached always. Venus, the dispositor of Ketu is also the lagna/navamsa lagna lord. It can be seen again that of Lagna-Moon-AK, lagna is the weakest and Venus is the lagna lord in D-1 rules the house of Ishta! 6.3
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Ramakrishna was one of the most remarkable Indian saints of recent history (1836 1886), famous for his high yogic attainments in approaching God along many different paths. This saint was another incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was named Gadadhar by his parents. While most saints espouse one specific spiritual path, Sri Ramakrishna experimented with each in its turn, with great sincerity. He was a lively, sensitive and compassionate man, who connected with the mundane and the divine with equal felicity. Indeed, for him, there was nothing devoid of Divine Mother. She was both the Maya and Satya for him. There was nothing beyond Her. His sheer simplicity and childlike nature miraculously co-existed with a keen intellect and tremendous knowledge and he won the deep reverence of many people. Of his innumerable devotees, the most noteworthy was Swami Vivekananda, who eventually forged a strong spiritual bond between the East and West.
Since childhood, Sri Ramakrishna was prone to bouts of spiritual ecstasy and temporary loss of consciousness. He went into a state of rapture while watching the flight of cranes, and lost consciousness, while playing the role of the god Shiva in a school play. Exalted Venus being the paka lagna lord of ascendant lord Saturn, and the conjunction of Sun and Moon in lagna, bestowed on him a very sensitive and artistic disposition. The fact that house of Ishta Devata is the navamsa lagna again is a pointer to his innate divinity as in the case of Sri Satya Sai Baba. In 1866, he became a priest at a recently dedicated temple to the Goddess Kali located near Calcutta on the Ganges River. And, thence commenced a fable of divine love and yearning rarely found in the annals of history. Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Makar: 1864-03-22 (6:44:00 am) - 1869-08-23 (6:44:00 am) Cp: 1865-07-30 (6:44:00 am) - 1866-01-11 (6:44:00 am) Aq: 1866-01-11 (6:44:00 am) - 1866-06-25 (6:44:00 am) Pi: 1866-06-25 (6:44:00 am) - 1866-12-07 (6:44:00 am)
Sri Ramakrishna’s karakamsa is Capricorn, and it is appropriate that he should reach the feet of Divine Mother during this dasa. The Ishta Devata, Sun is again placed in the lagna, making sure that the native reaches the goal safely and surely. It can be seen here too that Ishta is connected to strengthening of lagna, the weakest of lagna-Moon-AK. 6.4
Sri Aurobindo
A pre-eminent modern sage, who for nearly 40 years of his life, toiled unceasingly for the realization of his vision of a divine life upon earth, Sri Aurobindo left behind a rich spiritual legacy replete with his exalted thoughts. His writings reflect his unique genius as a scholar, writer, poet, literary critic, philosopher, social thinker, revolutionary, patriot, visionary and yogi. There was hardly an intellectual frontier that he had not conquered.
His formidable intellect, excellent command of English language, intuitive turn of phrase, soaring imagination and above all his yogic insight and his love for humanity- all make his literary works an epiphanic reading experience.
Vision of Sri Krishna
From May 1908 to May 1909 Sri Aurobindo was kept under detention by the British Government. This proved to be of immense significance because, during this period Sri Aurobindo underwent a series of decisive spiritual experiences which established the course of his future work. In 1910, assured of the ultimate success of the liberation movement and in answer to an inner call, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from the political field and sailed for Pondicherry, to devote himself entirely to his evolving spiritual mission. Sri Aurobindo envisioned and strove for a divine life upon earth and, for forty years long years of his life in Pondicherry, he remained absorbed in this spiritual work.
Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): Sg MD: 1905-02-24 (4:50:00 am) - 1913-07-12 (4:5 0:00 am) Antardasas in this MD: Sc: 1907-12-11 (4:50:00 am) - 1908-08-22 (4:50:00 am) Sg: 1908-08-22 (4:50:00 am) - 1909-05-04 (4:50:00 am)
Sagittarius is the house of Bhratri Karaka and disposits the powerful combination of th Saturn (8 lord) & Moon (lagna lord in parivartana with Jupiter) in D-1. Sun the lagna th lord of D20 is also posited in Sagittarius. Jupiter is also the 8 lord and dispositor of AK in vimsamsa. Scorpio, ofcourse, is the karakamsa and its dasa brought the life changing vision of Sri Krishna. In the chart of Aurobindo too it can be seen that the Ishta devata is Venus, who is conjunct Atmakaraka Mercury in Rasi chart. Venus is also the navamsa dispositor of Moon, the weakest link in the triad. 6.5
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda burst upon the spiritual firmament like an imperious Sun who burnt away the apathy of Indians with his sheer intellectual and ethical brilliance. The militant monk proclaimed to the world the greatness of the Indian Heritage at a time when the West regarded India mostly as a land of Rajahs and rope tricks. This beloved disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, in accordance with his master’s wish, dedicated his life to the propagation of spiritual ideals and for the betterment of the marginalized lot.
Meeting the Guru -1881 Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Meen: 1879-04-18 (6:33:00 am) - 1886-03-12 (6:33:00 am) Mesh: 1881-01-07 (6:33:00 am) - 1881-08-05 (6:33:00 am) Vrish: 1881-08-05 (6:33:00 am) - 1882-03-03 (6:33:00 am)
Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual quest began in the earnest when he met Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The educated urbane Vivekananda (AK-Sun) was in total contrast with the simple Guru (Saturn-BK). Jupiter is the Ishta Devata and is the dispositor of exalted th Venus in Pisces. Further it can be seen that the 8 lord Sun is posited in Pisces in Pisces in D-20. Hence the transcendental experiences started in the dasa of Pisces. Taurus antardasa brought the Guru into his life as this contains the chara BK, Saturn. th
The placement of Sun, the 9 lord and also the AK in lagna indicates the inheritance of th powers from Guru and it is further confirmed by Sun being the 8 lord in vimsamsa. Vision of Buddha & Self-Realization – 1892 Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Dhanu: 1886-03-12 (6:33:00 am) - 1895-07-23 (6:33:00 a m) Vrish: 1891-08-28 (6:33:00 am) - 1892-06-08 (6:33:00 am)
Sagittarius is the lagna and the karakamsa and brought the vision of Buddha and the awareness of his mission in life. Taurus, as already discussed, holds the BK. In Swami Vivekananda’s rasi chart also it can be seen that the Ishta devata is the lagna lord and dispositor of the AK. Moon is the weakest link in Vivekananda’s chart and one
can see the bracing association of Saturn, the BK, with Moon, and Sri Ramakrishna’s pervasive influence on Vivekananda needs no further proof. 6.6
Paramahamsa Yogananda
One of the foremost emissaries of India to the West, Sri Paramahansa Yogananda is regarded as one of India’s greatest saints. He was mainly responsible for kindling an abiding appreciation of Indian yogic techniques, especially “Kriya Yoga”, in the west. After his maha samadhi, it had been officially recorded that his body remained undecayed even after 20 days, which is a modern day miracle of immutability.
His interest in yoga can be seen from the placement of Venus (AK) in Scorpio, the natural sign of yoga and meditation. Further, it is known that Venus also the ruler of Mrityunjaya Mahamantra, which preserves the body in a state of youth. Mercury in the th 8thfrom vimsamsa lagna indicates upasana through yoga. Ketu in the 12 from AK both in Rasi and navamsa is a sure sign of his attaining moksha.
Meeting with Guru, Sri Yukteswar -1910 Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Aq: 1907-10-20 (8:15:00 pm) - 1914 -03-17 (8:15:00 pm) Ar: 1909-12-08 (8:15:00 pm) - 1910-06-21 (8:15:00 pm) Ta: 1910-06-21 (8:15:00 pm) - 1911-01-02 (8:15:00 pm)
Aquarius is the karakamsa and Aries is the navamsa lagna, whose ruler Mars is with Sun the BK. Hence meeting with guru. Acceptance of Sannyasa - July 1915 Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Sc: 1914-03-17 (8:15:00 pm) - 1920-02-14 (8:15:00 pm) Cp: 1915-03-12 (8:15:00 pm) - 1915-09-08 (8:15:00 p m)
Formal diksha of Sannyasa is more to do with physical renunciation. Scorpio contains the AK in Rasi chart and Aquarius, Capricorn are the karakamsa and house of Ishta Devata and are eminently qualified to grant sannyasa and ultimate moksha. Once again, Ishta Devata Ketu is in the house of Venus, the AK in D-1and gives the AK’s results. Since, Paramahamsa Yogananda consciously practiced / propagated Kriya Yoga to achieve spiritual maturity, one would find Saturn, the Palana Devata to be associated with Ishta devata. 6.7
Sri Annamaacharya
Tallapaka Annamaacharya is an illustrious devotee of Lord Venkatateswara and a poet. He is the first (singer-poet) in Telugu and composed 32,000 songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Many of the compositions of Annamaacharya were lost in course of time and the remaining were all recorded on copper plates and preserved in the 'Sankirtana Treasury' of the temple at Tirumala. Out of the 32,000 compositions of Annamacharya we have today 12,000 left with us. Annamacharya is supposed to be the incarnation of the sword of Lord Venkateshwara. It can be seen that Jupiter or Akasa tattwa influences the nd 2 house in D-1, D-9 and D-20. Hence his songs are imbued with the sanctity of Omkara.
Left home for Tirumala at the age of 8 years. Atma Karaka Kendradi Rasi Dasa (experiences of soul): MD Cp: 1413-09-22 (3:30:00 am) - 1422-02-07 (3:30:00 am) Cp: 1415-10-27 (3:30:00 am) - 1416-07-08 (3:30:00 am) Aq: 1416-07-08 (3:30:00 am) - 1417-03-20 (3:30:00 am) th
Capricorn is the moksha sthana in the rasi chart and is the 8 from the th navamsa/karakamsa lagnas. Please note that Aquarius is the Rasi lagna and is the 8 house in vimsamsa. Venus is the chara BK and also the Ishta Devata. Annamacharya received the blessings of sage Narada as well as Sri Padmavathi on his way to Tirumala and soul stirring compositions had poured forth unabated from his heart ever since. th Though basically a parivrajaka, due to the strength of 7 lord from lagna, moon and venus both in rasi and navamsa, Annamacharya married not once but twice! It can be seen that the Ishta Devata conjoins ascendant.
Here is the rare chart wherein all three lagna-Moon-AK are in equally advanced states of evolution, but one can still witness the Ishta Venus trying to shore up the marginally weak ascendant!
7.
Conclusion
The paper seeks to prove that the assignment of personal deities is not a mere arbitrary arrangement and serves a deeper purpose. The native can be directed to worship the relevant personal deity profitably depending upon the weakest planet in the tripod of life. Ishta Devata influencing the tripod of life, i.e., the Lagna, Moon and AK, in the Rasi chart, can lead one to definite Self-Realization is also confirmed from charts of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada, Sri Ganapati Satchidananda, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, and Smt M.S.Subbulakshmi. Perhaps, if perfected, this method can also be used in chart rectifications at a later date.
8.
References 1. 2. 3. 4.
Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra Jaimini Upadesa Sutra by Sri Sanjay Rath AK Kendraadi Graha Dasa by Sri Visti Larsen Sri Vidyaa Mahaa Yantram by Sri Krovi Parthasarathy
* Refer table on page.6 Trailokya Mohana Chakra - The Circle of Attaraction Sarva Aasaa paripooraka Charka – The Circle of Desires Sarva SamkshobhaNa Charka – The Circle of Crisis Sarva Saubhaagyadaayaka Charka – The Circle of Prosperity Sarva Artha Saadhaka Chakra – The Circle of Achievement Sarva Rakshaakara Chakra – The Circle of Protection Sarva Rogahara Chakra – The Circle of Health Sarva Siddhiprada Chakra – The Circle of Spiritual Attainment Sarva Aanandamaya Chakra – The Circle of Bliss
