What is Astrology ?

What is known about astrology, what is hard to explain in astrology and what I would love to know of astrology
What is Astrology - origin, nature, use and limits of understanding.

Here are my attempts to answer a few frequently asked questions about astrology and I have tried to answer it the way according to my understanding. (PS. Later I found out this is what some philosophers call Epistemology of Astrology, meaning : origin, nature, use, current status and the limits of human understanding or the knowledge of the subject, never herd of such a thing ? I too.) My answers in regard to Astrology, could be very different from what you may expect from a typical astrologer. Since I am not a professionally practicing astrologer but a seeker in the quest for knowledge, I have always tried to find answers which satisfies the scientist in myself. The job for which I am trained. Believe me that I used to be, and still am, a much more a skeptic than you think I could ever be and expect from a person who maintains a web site on astrology as a hobby. I learned astrology when, a prominent Buddhist priest who knows astrology very well told me the following. "How can you criticize a subject which you know nothing of ?. Want to disprove astrology ?. Then you have to learn the Astrology first. If you genuinely wish to learn Astrology, I am happy to teach you". That is how I met my "Guru" Rev. Nakiyadeniye Gnanuttara Thero for whom I am eternally grateful for the Initiation & knowledge. Is there something mysterious in astrology ? (Nature) People attribute mystery to things due to lack of their knowledge. For an example thousands of years ago people assumed that the lightning and thunder are the acts of gods and also thought that the pyramids were built by giants. Likewise, astrology also got it's bit attached as the knowledge of the planetary movements are not everybody's cup of tea. This is true even 10- 20 years ago. When calculations were carried out manually with out the aid of computers. Not all, but some astrologers even today try to project mystery around astrology for two main reasons. 1. To cover up their inadequacy of the knowledge of the subject of astrology and lack of deep understanding of the mechanisms involved. 2. Keep others in the dark for economic reasons, more people were pushed towards blind belief or faith, more they can milk the people for money by selling them more yanthars,

more manthars, more pujas, more candles, more dhupas, more shanthis, more pictures, more homas, more consultations etc. (Listen to Sri Lankan or Indian Radios or read some News papers and you will understand what I am talking about). Resulting misconception among people and adverse reactions to Astrology from moderate intelligent people in the community.

Astrology What is it ?(Origin) Planets in the solar system are like an accurate clock in the sky. Their revolutions and movements are very precise. Planets rise and set at definite times. Effects of certain planetary influences are plainly visible such as day and night, change of seasons and tidal effects. It surely have influence on everyday life of all of us. But subtle effects on people are not so clearly evident at a glance. Astrology is a system of observations gathered through ages. For an example Vedic Astrologey was founded by Sage Parashara thousands of years ago and the observations collected through ages are the essence of the Hindu Astrology. Astrology, both Eastern and Western are based on a predictive system very similar to to the one used by meteorology. Instead of forecasting the weather conditions, Astrological predictive system indicates such and such things are highly probable to happen to the people when such and such planetary positions are prevailing. An analogy is like looking at a colour traffic light system and decoding what each of the colour light such as red , yellow and green are meaning and saying, like if some one goes when the red light is shining he or she is highly prone to be met with an accident or when green light is shining it is highly probable that he or she will have a safe passage. Stars only indicate your past "Karmas"( or the actions ) and depending on the past actions, the direction of the path of life you are going to take while in the journey, towards the ultimate goal the: "Natural evolution process towards the Perfection of Mind" * "kingdom of heaven", "Moksha", "Nirvana" or where ever according to your personal belief. It is as same as, depending on the lane you have stopped, the direction you should turn will be indicated by a traffic signal. *(If the body can evolve with the natural law of survival of the fittest, then why not the mind ? As there is always body - mind relationship, like the body is constantly changing and evolving , the mind is also changing and evolving. This is the fundamental difference between Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. While the Hinduism says that Athma or the Soul stays the same, lord Buddha went further and said, that the soul or the force of life or the qualities that define particular character of a person are also subject to gradual change and since, it changes he added, it is impermanent or "Anithya" which is the basic quality of everything in the universe ), More explanation on this line is now at the bottom of this page under P.S.) Can planets influence people ?

If you ask me whether there is an effect from that red colour light on a person's life my answer is both "yes" and "no". No, because it is just a light. Yes, because it indicates a bad period to cross. But if you attribute a godly character to the traffic light pole and starts worshipping it or think that there is a mystery in it. Then it is the lack of true knowledge and understanding. That is why, about 2500 years ago Lord Buddha said "Kim Karrisatthi Taraka ?" What stars can do ? It is not stars doing any thing to you. It is your own actions and the reactions of past actions (Karmas) are shaping your destiny. Your true savior is none but yourself as it is your duty to steer your life on the correct path. Possible or impossible ?(limits of human understanding ) Please note that, though the debate on the existence of all powerful almighty one creator being as such is out of the context of this subject of discussion, I do not exclude the possibility of that there could be (Now we call them as ET's and those days Deities or Angels) highly evolved powerful entities (and also some lowly evolved but powerful entities ) in other dimensions or worlds. A true scientist will never ridicule any possibility. However it may look impossible. Remember, that a few decades back prominent scientists of the time said, it is impossible for an aero plane to take off the ground as it is heavier than the air. Compared with the vastness and the complexity of the universe, what we have discovered and rationally understood is similar to a grain of sand. If you find something mysterious or something which is hard to explain, that does not mean it is not happening or it is impossible to happen. But that means our current understanding, senses, knowledge and the instruments are not yet developed enough to detect, measure and understand the phenomenon. Astrology - from past to present Astrology is a heritage of all of us, which stood the test of time. If astrology was absolute rubbish, then it would have gone out of circulation many hundreds or perhaps thousands years ago. Since there was some substance in to astrology, which had proved to many people for generations about it's usefulness. Astrology had managed to survive through those generations. Now the time had come for the Astrology to engage in the test of time once again. This time a test carried out by a new breed of seekers living in the era of information age, who are armed with new technology, new ways of thinking and interested in investigating finding and presenting the knowledge of the past in a manner applicable to the present. If anybody wish to learn Vedic Astrology, here is a good place to start. What is an astrological reading: (use) I would like to tell and caution you, that an astrological reading should not be taken as a gospel or the absolute certainty. And you should not center your entire life on the basis of astrology alone. It is only a tool but an efficient one, which helps you to understand yourself better, in a different perspective. Say it is like a manual of a car, a horoscope reading shows the potential you can achieve as it was at the start line. (Which was many years ago at your time of birth.) And what troubles and repairs you can expect after such and such kilometers of driving. But how do you drive your car after you have taken it out of the factory is up to you, and also depends on many other factors, such as your freewill of decision whether to maintain and drive carefully or

not, unexpected happenings on the road and so on. Therefore, there is no certainty that the events we discuss here must happen as stated. What we talk here in this reading are about the probabilities of certain events occurring. The many of the happenings what we examine in a genuine reading like what I offer you in this site, are natural phenomenas. Nature does not have abrupt demarcation lines. Everything fades out and the new period or phenomenon dawns gradually and very slowly. The same is true for the end of one constellation and the beginning of another. There are no clear cut lines in the sky to separate one group of stars from another, therefore one astrologer can give one date and an another astrologer an other date, but usually it should fall within an acceptable margin of error.

Can Astrology foretell any thing for sure ? As same as in Meteorology, in Astrology also, there is no definite saying. Because many things can not be told hundred present accurately. As I said in the previous example, even when the green light is shining you can not give a hundred present guarantee of safe passage as accidents may occur due to various other reasons. Life is a very complex thing many influencing factors are taking part during the course of a persons life It is dynamic, constantly changing just like clouds and weather patterns. Only a divine entity or God can predict for 100% accuracy about the course of a life of a person. No being born as a human (except a Buddha - The meaning of word Buddha itself is the highest of higher human intellect) can predict with 100% surety about course of a life of a person. Because a persons life is governed by Karma and so complex the karmas are it is difficult to fully comprehend by a person with ordinary intellect. With respect, I must mention that, even Maha Irshies were not able to do it fully. That is why the ancient texts written by different Irshies, though not always but sometimes suggest different methods or interpretations in regard to the same thing. For an example in regard to Planetary periods or Dashas, there are a number of methods suggested, Ashthoothari, Vimshotharri, Yogini etc.. Thanks to the works of Irshis and Sages and all the other scholars of the of the past, about 75 80 % degree of accuracy of predictions can be achieved by a good astrologer at present, if more than that, the rest is pure chance. (If anybody says he can do better than that and can always give 100% correct predictions, then he is not an astrologer but a new Buddha. Apart from the Gauthama the Buddha for this "Kalpha" or the epoch, an another additional Buddha had seems to be some how appeared on earth). No good astrologer who is honest and who knows the subject of astrology well and has a reputation to protect will never mislead people who do not know astrology and dare to say that he or she can give perfect 100% accurate predictions.

It is as same as that, even for a vehicle which is just out of the production line, a good master engineer will never give a 100% guarantee, say to cross a desert alone and without taking any spare parts. Because he knows very well what many things can go wrong and how many brand new vehicles had been recalled due to various defects. But at the same time a foolish driver who may even do not know how to change a plug, due to his foolishness may take the risk of crossing the desert or even declare the exact time he will arrive at the destination. Since the Astrology is the only tool an ordinary human being has, to interpret the Quality and the quantity of Karmas an individual posses, Astrology should be treated with respect. Even though it's accuracy is not always 100%. But nobody should center his life on Astrology alone. Nor reject astrology totally. As Lord Buddha had always advised a person must take the middle path.

Mystery or siddhi ? There are certain components in astrology and other related areas, the mechanism of how it happens is hard to explain. One such phenomenon is called as "Siddhi". Siddhi comes with the constant practice and somewhat akin to sixth sense, intuition or hunch. When a person with a siddhi says something, it is more likely to happen the way he predicts it. But if you ask the person where in the original source texts ( such as "Brihath Parashara hora Sahastra " Saravali or Garga Hora") it says such a thing or what rules he had applied to come in to that conclusion, most probably he will say, I just felt it at that moment. So how does a person feels future is a bit gray area. How do they do it ? I know one retired graduate teacher in Kandy suberbs who has a very remarkable ability. I can not say whether his predictions are true or not but I am convinced of one thing. That he can say rather accurately the reason you came to meet him, as soon as you sit in front of him. He puts that ability in to very good use. Every day he consults 100 people. No more. No matter how many more are wanting or how far they had come to see him. To get an appointment, you have to go at 3 o' clock in the morning and get a number and no prior bookings for any body. He allocates only 5 minutes for each consultation. If you were not present at the time he calls you, the next in the queue is called and you have to come again an another day. When I went there last year, I got the number 52. Since I was curious, skeptic and suspicious of any listening devises which may have been planted, I never told or indicated in any manner the reason I wished to consult him. From the inquiries I made from the people who went in and came out before me I found that he had accurately told them the reason they had come to see him that day. If it is pure chance or guess, with so many various kinds of problems people are having and wanting advice, how it is possible to guess it correctly each and every time ?. I also learned that his father also had practiced the same. That means it is a some kind of a knowledge or method that could be transmitted from one person to another. So what is it ? I too would love to learn. But I am sure of one thing. That it is not Astrology he is practicing.

Nadi Astrology
Where are the techniques ? There is an another branch of prediction system called "Nadi Jyotisha" or the Nadi system of astrology. Which (according to some people) in many occasions can correctly say even the names of the people who are concerned. Unfortunately the techniques used are not revealed to people outside their immediate family. You must understand that such knowledge could be harmful if come in to the hands of wrong people. May be that is one of the reasons it is still kept in secret. Selfishness or greed is also a possibility. But if somebody will come forward and reveal at least some of the techniques at least to those who deserve and who will use it for the benefit of those who really need guidance such an act will be a great service to humanity as whole.

Chasing an elusive leaf ?

("The ola leaves which contain the life histories of nearly every human being on earth.") Though the chances of such occurrences are very remote, as a scientist who is open minded and think that there is always a possibility of having areas of knowledge which are not yet explored, I do not totally exclude the possibility of existence of extra ordinary Astrological techniques discovered by somebody in the past and be still on use with some genuine Nadi Reader out there. But at the same time, in definite terms I must warn you that, there are not so genuine Nadi Readers and Nadi Astrology web sites are also out there. Of which I am very sure of. Those pretending to be Nadi Astrology Readers, on the pretext of finding your correct leaf, will ask you a large number of questions, only to build up your profile. It is more like being involved in a fill in the blanks game, rather than getting an astrological reading. For an example, sure they will ask you what is the first letter of your fathers first name, then after several other questions such as, is your mother dead or alive, are you a graduate, what is your profession etc. suddenly they will ask you what is the last letter of your fathers name?. After several minutes of subsequent questioning like are you currently experiencing some financial problems etc. etc. they will ask you what is the 3rd letter of the fathers first name, is it Ka, Ga, La, Cha ? and so on.. After filling the gaps they will jump out and say , see the leaf correctly told your fathers name too.

Out of curiosity I went to such a place operated by some South Indians at Colombo. More... Continued in next page...

Did you ever think Why ?

Are these intelligent and rational questions or is it a superstitious way of thinking ? From the beginning of the human history, for thousands of years, people were looking for the answers to the questions such as : Why certain things happen to us in the way they are? Why for some people that, achieving success, prosperity and happiness is easy and for others it is hard and a difficult path? Why some are always at right time at right place to receive the good things in life while others at wrong time at wrong place are working hard for that? Does it always happen only to you or did others experienced it too. If so what things were common between you and those others and what is the relationship ? Is there any unknown reason behind that or is it purely accidental? Was it meant to be happened that way ?. If every thing happens by chance, then why the other person is always lucky and not you. What things were destined to be that way and what part of it was due to your own actions or free will ?. How it operates and what is the mechanism of it, how can you manipulate it. What things we can learn from the past experiences of others like us ?. When the good or bad events can occur ? Is there any remedy, or a way of getting additional knowledge of how to avoid disadvantageous events in the quest of achieving success, prosperity and happiness or the situation is entirely hopeless ?. To look in to those questions, and find some rational explanations, the sages of the past, devised the mathematical system called "Eye of the Veda" or the Vedic Astrology.

Need for proper research (current status of the subject Astrology )

A friend of mine and a colleague at Vet. Research Institute, spent a number of years researching for his PhD. The theme of the research was about the reproductive organs of a certain tiny nematode. Which lives in the bovine intestinal track. That particular species has little economic significance in regard to it's effect on animal production so up to now nobody had bothered to take any notice of that worm. I used tease him about it telling that he should have selected even more tinier and more remote subject for his research. And used to wonder that in 50 years to future, what will be left for vet's to research in to for their PhD's when they even finish researching in to the tiniest organ of the tiny worm. It is unfortunate that such a valuable subject like astrology was not able to gain the attention of any university or a funding agency which will agree to support a solid 5 -10 year astrological research project at least, Ok - say, to disprove it once and for all scientifically and statistically.

Suppose, if proved that there is a correlation between some planetary movements and happenings of certain events in peoples life. Then think what new area of knowledge will be opened. (* Note : 5/2/2003 - Recently I happened to surf in to a very interesting Ph.D thesis work a Doctoral Dissertation in Psychology. Presented to the University for Humanistic Studies, Del Mar, California. Called " Astrologically Predictable Patterns In Work Related Injuries" ABSTRACT: In an effort to predict the occurrence of work-related accidents and to provide further perspectives to accident prevention, astrological
patterns in work injuries were examined. Statistical results indicate that there are distinct periods of time when individuals are more accident prone. These periods involve hard aspects from the transiting Sun to the Sun's position at birth. The study included 1023 injured people who filed a Workers' Compensation claim and were disabled for at least three months. It was hypothesized that people tend to suffer accidental injuries significantly more frequently around the time of their birthday, three months before or after, or six months after their birthday. The research hypothesis was supported with a high degree of statistical significance. It provides support for some of the basic concepts of both Western Astrology and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology). The results also suggest possible programs that might aid in determining the timing of accidents and thus assist in their prevention, thereby contributing to the field of industrial psychology. This study also provides a hope that the fields of astrology and psychology can be bridged as both attempt to understand human nature and to predict human behavior.

If the money which goes in to the production of one distractive weapon like a modern tank, a big bomb or one fighter plane can be invested in such research ? "He who does not allow his miracles to be investigated is a crook, he who does not have the courage to investigate a miracle is gullible, and he who is prepared to believe without verification is a fool". Dr Abraham T. Kovoor "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
Sir Arthur C. Clarke

P.S. (21/11/2003)
The Buddha once gave the following advice to a tribe of people known as Kaalaamas, who were in doubt as to what to believe and what not to. It became known as The Kaalaama Soothra and is as refreshingly clear and practical even now as it was so long ago. Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions just because they have been handed down from many generations. Do not believe in anything just because it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe in anything just because it is found written in scripture books. Do not believe in what you have imagined, thinking that it is extraordinary, it must have been inspired by a supreme being or other wonderful beings. Do not believe in anything, merely on authority of your teachers elders and priests. But after thorough investigation and analysis, when you find that everything agrees with reason, and it is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. The same test , said the Buddha must be applied to his own teaching too. "Do not accept even my doctrine from reverence, but first try it as gold is tried by fire".

Lakshman Abeykoon M. Sc. (Moscow University) Grad. Cert.(Melbourne University) Graduate Diploma (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)

Melbourne 8/2/2002 P.S. After I wrote the above, I received a number of emails specially, from people living in UK and USA. Below is such a letter which I received today and beneath is my answer. I placed it in this page believing that it may be of use to some others and that, I will not be asked the same question again and again. But our topic had changed direction from Astrology to the theory of Karma which is the corner stone of both Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. Hello, My name is (Name Removed) and I have just discovered your site. I found it most informative and interesting and it piqued my curiosity. First off, is it the same as Vedic astrology, as I am a novice Hindu who worships Ganesh and Shiva. At the moment it is really hit and miss as I have no Guru and am living in the West of Ireland where they are not very plentiful! I am intending to spend several months in India in the Autumn of this year as a spiritual journey. The big question I have really is, I am 62, have had a triple bypass and recently discovered a myriad of other things wrong with my health, is it too late for me to have an astrological reading done? What good would it do for me at this late stage? I had such a good feeling from your site I trust you to give me the right answer. Looking forward to hearing from you, XXXXXXX (Name Ommitted) PS I was adopted and don't know my exact time of birth. For what it is worth my birth date was October 2nd 1939 and it was in the East coast of America, Philadelphia to be exact. Reply Dear XXXX, Thanks for your letter. You have asked a lot of questions and will answer them one by one. Yes, this is the same genuine Vedic Astrology, which originated in South East Asia and it is one of the Ancient Vedic Sciences. XXX, if you are not in good health, I think it is not a wise decision to go to India at this period. It is hard and harsh unless, you find a good genuine teacher and a good ashram. Otherwise, it is not worth. But believe me a good teacher and a good place are very hard things to find. Which I know from my personal experiences and about 90% are imposters and are not true "Gurus". The best option for you is, finding a good place in UK or USA try www.hindu.org for a ashram of true seekers. In this age, physically you do not have to be in India or any other place to search for spiritual development.

The other best option for you is to read books such as "Bagavath Geetha" and look for answer your self. But what you should read depends on what you are searching for. Therefore first of all you should have a clear idea about what are you searching ?. Mainly, people look for the answer for their existence in this world. Whether it is a one time journey or a journey with many parts or many existences?. What ever it is, one thing is certain. That is, your actions in turn brings reactions. It is the theory behind "Karma". Since you are the creator of your own actions, then your are the decision maker about your spiritual journey through birth, death and rebirth. Nobody else can decide any thing for you. This is the core of both Hindu and Buddhist philosophy and if you bother to read some Buddhist books you will find out that Lord Buddha had explained it in a more rational and acceptable way. Though it was originated in India about 2500 years ago, it is still a profound theory and I doubt whether you will be able to grasp it. But if you wish to study Buddhism there are good links in http://jyotisha.00it.com/favorits.htm page In short, that both Buddhists and Hindus believe that, people are born again to this world because they wanted to be born again. Once they were born here, they have to under go a lot of hardships, pain and suffering as it is the natural condition in this existence. Why they want to be born again ? Because they think they have unfinished business here and therefore they have created hard bonded attachments in their mind which in turn causes "Karmas" (actions and reactions) to be generated. For an example, If you create an attachment to your body, then you will come back to get a body. It was your wish and it is the effect of the cause of the attachment to your body. What creates hard bonded attachments in the mind ? The wrong conceptions create such attachments. What are the wrong conceptions ? It is the belief that things or persons are yours. Why that belief is wrong ? because there is nothing in this world, you can truly say that, it belongs to you. Not even your own body. If it is truly yours you could have stopped aging or being sick. Since, it is not truly yours you can not stop aging nor being sick. No need to say about other things. The true nature of every thing that exists in this world and the universe is that, it does not belong to any thing or any body and is subject to constant change. This constant change can be described as the Dynamic Evolution or the Shiva - creator destroyer as explained in Hinduism and this is the same as what you call the nature of impermanence in Buddhism as there is nothing permanent in this universe (So the consciousness of Shiva means, the consciousness about the impermanence, or the consciousness about the true nature of things or the "Anithya" as explained in Buddhism). The delusion or the wrong concept is the belief that things are permanent or stays the same and thus creating hard set attachments for those, which compels you to return with a body to possess it. (It does not mean that you have to throw away your business, car, house or family, it only means that you should not create hard set attachment for those implying that, they are yours and

only yours. But by understanding that they do not belong to you. For an example understanding that, their love for you is subject to change with time or the ownership of properties or the condition of those are subject to constant change etc. You will cease creating attachments. ) So if you do not create attachments by knowing and deeply convincing your self about he true nature of the things, then you will have no reason to return. That is what you call "Moksha " in Hinduism, "Nirvana" in Buddhism and "Kingdom of Heaven" in other religions. I suggest that you should read the book "Life after Life " by Dr. Raymond Moody a Penguin book about the research in to NDE (Near Death Experiences) of some of his patients and the book called "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" by Evans Wendz. Since, you do not know your time of birth, Unfortunately I can not give you a reading. I can make a brief reading in connection to the particular positions of planets prevailing on your date of birth but it will be very short and devoid of important details. It is like taking a photo with out focusing the lens. To focus the reading you need the time more accurate more better. Since you said that you have no "Guru" and it is a hit and miss, I sincerely hope that I have given you the right answers to set you in proper direction and wish, that you may find the correct path for your spiritual journey. Lakshman Abeykoon 17/3/2002

More questions and More Answers What is the primary karmic reason (s) for my current reincarnation ? Please tell me. (A question from a person from Malaysia) Dear XXX though I will be able answer some of the questions you have forwarded to me, I am not sure whether I am in a position to answer your above mentioned question, by only looking at your horoscope. And I am sure that, no human being currently living in this earth will be able to answer it. Such a question can only be answered correctly by a great being of a vast knowledge similar to the caliber of Lord Buddha as nobody else can accurately define and pin point the exact Karmic causes leading to a birth of a person. Others for an example for people like us it is just a hit and miss guess work. Who is being born: According to the Buddhist Philosophy, there are basically 3 classes of people born in to this world. They are classified as " Tre Hetuka Prathisandika, Dwi Hetuka Prathisandika" and Eka Hetuka Prathisandika" (Ex.Like 3 star, Two star and One star) 3 Hetukas are the great beings

they were already enlightened and come here or appear knowingly for the sole purpose of the benefit of others. Like Lord Buddha. Lord Krishna , Jesus Christ ect. A simplified example is that, they are like the Deans in Uni. faculty. Already having Ph.D's and nothing else to learn but to spread their great knowledge.

Dwi Heatukas are the people who come also knowingly (Means that they know where they are going to be born and can select where they want to be born and the purpose of their life) They are the people who have already progressed half way in the path towards enlightenment and not yet fully understood the reality. There purpose here is while working towards their own salvation, teach and help others on the same. (Like lecturers in a Uni. While they are doing their own Ph.D. Project, they teach a class of students).

The other group is "Eka Hethuka" they have very limited choice. Their birth is governed by past karma (Like students according to their VCE merits or marks they were sent to different faculties) And their purpose is working towards their own salvation by understanding the reality. Some may pass some may fail and if failed then have to come again after some time. The purpose of birth: Definitely the first category, "TreHethuka" is out of question for people like us. So It needs to be either the second or the third group. If you sit down for a moment to look back and reflect honestly to yourself that, how you have spent your current life: Like, what you have learned about life, have you changed your attitudes , are those changes to the better side or worse, have you become more patient, more understanding , more kinder than before when you were in your youth or have you turned yourself in to a more impatient, irritable, possessive, jealous old creature. Have you noticed that, the life is short, fragile, delicate and impermanent. Have you noticed and registered in your mind at least a faint idea, that yours and others physical bodies are subject to disease, ageing ect. and similar to a putrid piece of meat which constantly needs to be fed clothed and washed. In spite of all that, it emanate bad odors and waste products, therefore is not a thing to be desired or be proud of. What purpose, (even it is very minute like helping your own child to be a good person) your life had served on the grater picture of things. Once you answer these questions, without looking at stars for guidance, you will definitely come in to the correct conclusion about the Purpose of your life here. And also you will get a correct assessment about whether you were successful in achieving the purpose or whether you have strayed from the path leading towards the purpose. It is not essential that you have to be materially rich with hefty bank accounts, large houses, acres of land, 9-5 job, degrees or titles to lead a purposeful life during the very short period of the life span of a person. You need only the correct vision. But how many of us have the correct vision is a question. When you are immersed in the delusion and rat race to be materially better

than the next door neighbor with a quest for processing better house, a better car ect. Who has the time to think about after life ?. When compared to the age of the universe or the age of the earth, or to take for an example, the age of a piece of a rock before you, the lifetime of a human being is amusingly minute and insignificant. In no time you will find that your jet black hair has started graying in places, your skin tone is loosing the healthy look it used to have and you are more closer to the grave than you were before and realize that you will not be able take any of the above said material processions to the other side with you. You were born empty handed and will go back empty handed. Will take only the good or bad karma's which were the results of your actions. Predicting the previous and next births -The classical method in Vedic Astrology. In regard to pre natal abode or the previous life: Chapter 44 Sloka 42 of "Brihat Pararshara Hora Sastra" written by Maha Rishi Parashara the founder of VedicAstrology states the following: O excellent of brahmins, the stronger of the two luminaries, Surya and Chander, occupying a dreshkan of Guru denotes the descent from the world of godes. If the stronger of the luminaries , Surya and Chander, Occupies the Dreshkan of Shuker or Chander the descent is from the world of Manes. If the stronger of the luminaries , Surya and Chander, is in the Dreshkan of Surya or Mangal , the descent from the world of Yama. If the stronger of the luminaries , Surya and Chander, is in the Dreshkan of Buddh or Shani the descent from the world of Hell. Chapter 44 Sloka 43 -45 - Ascent After death or the Next Life: If following Grahas are in 6,7 8, 12 houses the native will attain one of the different worlds after death, Guru : Heaven, Moon or Venus : Human world, Mars or Sun : Earth, Mercury or Saturn :Hell, In case said bhavas are not occupied the native will go to the world indicated by the stronger of the Dreshkan lords related to the 8 or 12 th Bhava. The natives graha's exhaltion ect. Will denote the high, medium and low status the native. Therefore according to above rules, predicting the privious and next births are no big deals. The given method is so simple, un ambiguous and straight forward, you can easily design a computer program to predict it. The problem is not about the prediction but the verification of the prediction: Suppose you interpreted the chart according to the above said guide lines, then how do you test it ? No body has returned from dead to testify the correctness of the method or no body remembers where they have lived previously, and you are left with no choice, but to accept blindly the astrologers interpretation. Predicting the previous and next births -The method shown by Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha the son of King Suddhodana who lived in India 2500 years ago had given a very agreeable and more rational explanation about how to determine the next birth of a person.

"One day a group of monks approached the Buddha and wanted to know where, a person known to them was born after his recent death. Buddha showed them a nearby tree and told, Monks, suppose you go and cut that tree down, where do you think that tree falls. Monks answered O, Lord Buddha there is no doubt that the tree will fall in the direction it is inclined or leaned now. Then the Buddha answered as same as that, a person's next birth is determined by the way he spends his current life. If he lives the life in a way a god is living in earth with kindness love ect. Then he will return to gods realm after his death. If he lived like a man then he will be born like a man, if he lived like an animal then will be born like an animal. That was Lord Buddha Answer." During early 80's as a fresh agriculture graduate from the university I joined the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAP&H) in Sri Lanka as a Tropical Pasture Specialist. With me a number of new graduates joined the DAP&H. One of them, (I do not reveal the name as he is still working at DAP&H) was sent as a Farm Manager of a Goat Breeding Farm. About one year passed and one day, I happened to meet him in a conference at the Head Office, to my surprise and astonishment, that his face had started to look like a goat's face not only me but many others had noticed the change. Even to this day, I can not find a rational answer to that except, coming to a conclusion that, he may have spent a whole year fully engrossed working and thinking about goats, and seeing goats every day, the features of his face had started to reflect his mind. If he had died at that particular period of time, can you think of the realm he will be born ? what life form he will occupy and his place of birth ?. It also illustrates the great dis-service people do to themselves by over the limit association with domestic and farm animals. Being kind to animals and helping them is one thing. Being kind and helpful is a godly attribute and developing that character is a way of getting close to the realm of gods. You should not confuse that aspect with totally immersing of yourself with the affairs of animals. Like treating an animal as your kith and kin or a child. By doing that you will gradually develop an affinity and liking to animal realm thus will be running a very high risk of being born as an animal, because your mind is set on direction towards the world of animals.