A Simple and effective remedy in Vedic Astrology
Indian Vedic Astrology is an ancient predictive science which helps us to (predict our future). Predictions will be based on the planetary positions and their strengths in the
horoscope.
Like most of the other sciences, Vedic Astrology cannot be 100% accurate. However, I have noticed how many people expect astrologers to act like psychic readers or magicians. People often think that astrologers have the power to remove all the problems and obstacles that they have or are going to face in future. Some individuals even visit the astrologer with the expectation that their life will be perfect after the consultation. However, there are many who have the gift of understanding the nature of astrology and hence are able to identify the link between Vedic Astrology and spirituality. They look at their (astrological) reading as a spiritual guideline which will help them to look at their life more positively and differently. They are ready to make a change and to step forward positively.
Though the astrologer has no power to remove the negative energy or the planetary obstacles, he can recommend numerous astrological remedies so that one can step forward easily and also avoid some of the problems seen for the future.
These astrological remedies may be suggested by astrologers after an in-depth study of a person's birth chart. In India there are thousands of remedies. Some of them may be impossible for us in the western societies to practice as we do not have or are unable to find the proper environment, materials or even the personnel needed to conduct those remedies and rituals. However this does not mean that we in the west have fewer chances of avoiding obstacles.
Most of the remedies will cost you a lot. Specially, when selecting gems one has to get a reasonably bright colored, big and clear gem which also has to be natural.
Likewise, when chanting mantras, some mantras have to be chanted over 10000 times. This difficulty also applies to preparing a Yantra, Talisman or a ted Thread.
When it comes to rituals it will be same with arranging poojas and offerings. Also we may not find the suitable environment or personnel to do these rituals and japas.
Therefore, I personally recommend my clients to practice spirituality as a very effective remedy. Many individuals think that they can overcome obstacles through Gems, Mantras or Rituals and consequently they spend a lot of time and money for these remedies. My argument is that these remedies will never help us unless we are very spiritual. Therefore, I never encourage my clients to spend heavily on remedies rather than devoting more time for spiritual practice.
One’s religious background or beliefs can help to strengthen their spirituality but to practice spirituality the religion is not a barrier.
I strongly believe that the one who practices the following is spiritual:
* Loving kindness
* Charitable deeds and helping the needy and poor
* Caring, sharing and giving
* Ethical lifestyle and practice
* Meditation
* Respecting and helping the elders
* Controlling sensual pleasure and material comforts
* Respecting universal laws and beliefs
In this competitive world it may be difficult to live as given above but one who is gifted with spirituality can practice all of them to a certain extent. Most of us find it hard to practice pure spirituality because we are sometimes pulled astray with greed, lust, sensual pleasure, jealousy, anger, anxiety and cravings. Therefore, it is important to try and keep away from all these sense desires.
Therefore, one who tries to and lives according to the above given practice will always overcome most of the obstacles in life and will gain happiness. I doubt that it will cost a lot to lead such a lifestyle.
Spirituality can not be attained until materiality is gone
(Meaning not that you get rid of all belongings but attachment to them)
What is spirituality:
(according to Wikipedia)
Spirituality, in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit. The spiritual, involving (as it may) perceived eternal verities regarding humankind's ultimate nature, often contrasts with the temporal, with the material, or with the worldly. A sense of connection forms a central defining characteristic of spirituality — connection to something greater than oneself, which includes an emotional experience of religious awe and reverence. Equally importantly, spirituality relates to matters of sanity and of psychological health. Like some forms of religion, spirituality often focuses on personal experience.
Spirituality may involve perceiving life as higher, more complex or more integrated with one's world view; as contrasted with the merely sensual.
Some of the popular remedies are:
Gem therapy - In Vedic Astrology it is indicated that gems affect the human body, giving either negative or positive effects. Every gem has the power to absorb the radiation emitted by a particular planet. Therefore, in order to receive its benefits, the gem pertaining to a particular planet should be worn. The individual should avoid the use of gems related to malefic planets in the horoscope. It is always advisable to use the gem which is related to the strongest planet of your horoscope.
Mantra - The word mantra comes from the Sanskrit word manatrana which means advice or suggestion. Whether it is one word or a string of words, a mantra is a sound pattern with meaning and also frequencies that have energy of their own. The efficiency of the japa or chanting of mantra is accentuated according to the degree of concentration. The mind should be fixed on the source or the related Yantra, Talisman or Thread. It is only then one will realize the maximum benefit of a mantra.
Rituals – All the planets have a specific deity that represents the planet. On top of that there are deities that represent certain events in our life. Each deity has a certain color, specific appearance and a unique vehicle (the animal it rides signifying its underlining power). Therefore, worshiping and performing offerings to these deities will help one to be protected from the negative energies seen in the horoscope.
Generosity for the Destruction of Greed and Attachment (Giving – “Dana”)
Often when generosity is discussed we concentrate on the results of generosity and how to benefit most by generosity. Even though the results of generosity are important and it is imperative that one knows this aspect, we will focus on generosity in the context of reducing greed and attachment.
Firstly, a person should give with the destruction of craving as a goal, rather than the benefits or merit acquired as the motivation. When one gives with a pure heart and the aspiration of acquiring merit, one reaps the rewards of the gift through wealth, comfort and heavenly birth. When one gives with a pure heart and a view to purify oneself of the defilements of craving and attachments, one obtains greater benefits.
The Buddha said:
'He who gives a gift thinking that
giving beautifies the mind, [by eliminating craving and greed]
giving strengthens the mind,
will be reborn among the Brahma Devas
He will become a non returner to this world'
[Anguttara Nikaya]
It is clear then that this is the highest manner of giving.
The giver should only give through compassion and loving kindness, with no coercion of expectation in return.
How does a person give correctly with a view to destroying attachment?
- He gives that which is earned lawfully and righteously.
- He gives clean things
- He gives what is choice
- He gives a the proper time.
- He gives what is suitable
- He gives with care
- He gives frequently
- He calms the mind by giving
- After giving he becomes happy
From Practising the Dhamma with a view to Nibbana by Radhika Abeysekera
