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Yogananda's Teaching on the Power of Will 
July 12, 2008 |
| Vedic
Astrology Diary Archives |
By Vaughn
Paul Manley, M.A.
Paramahansa Yogananda's classic book, The Autobiography
of a Yogi, has a chapter entitled, "Outwitting the Stars,"
that is a must read for any student of astrology in my opinion.
In it he describes his own beliefs about astrology, and the
attitude he recommends that spiritual aspirants should adopt
towards it. Specifically, that we should never see planetary
forces as more powerful than our own will power. For instance,
see this quote:
“Occasionally I told astrologers to select my worse periods,
according to planetary indications, and I would still accomplish
whatever task I set myself. It is true that my success at such
time has been accompanied by extraordinary difficulties. But
my conviction has always been justified; faith in the divine
protection, and the right use of man’s God-given will,
are forces formidable beyond any the 'inverted bowl' (sky) can
muster. The starry inscription at one's birth, I came to understand,
is not that man is a puppet of his past. Its message is rather
a prod to pride; the very heavens seek to arouse man's determination
to be free of every limitaton.”
Yogananda offers here quite a bold shift in perspective. Most
of the time people see the planetary influences, especially
the dashas and transits, as forces beyond their power of will
to effect. However, Yogananda's point is to recognize that our
will power is God given for a reason - to change potentially
unfavorable outcomes in our lives into favorable ones.
Click
here to read the chapter "Outwitting the Stars"
in Autobiography of a Yogi.
Copyright
2010. Vaughn Paul Manley. All Rights Reserved. |
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