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from Karma and Rebirth in Hindu Astrology, by K.N.
Rao - ch. 7
One is born with one's own samskaras (mental impression
or conditioning) which are of two types: one wich have been
acquired in the present incarnation and the other which has
been brought from the past life. Sri Aurobindo has said that
it is not all the talents and all the samskaras of the past
life that one brings into his present life. For instance,
in the past life he may have had a great love for music, while
in the present life there may be no attraction at all.
Sri Aurobindo
The one samskara that seems to continue life after life is
the spiritual samskara. It is for this reason that in the
four ashram system of the Hindus, Brahmacharya comes first,
in which training in spiritual and worldy disciples is given
simultaneously. It is in late adulthood or old age that the
spiritual training of early childhood leads to a life of detachment,
and, if one is lucky, to a death with the mind attuned to
the Divine. It leads to liberation, otherwise, there is rebirth.
The stories of rebirth in the Puranas (sacred texts)
contain the essential truth that the spiritual merit is the
only imperishable merit one can have, while all the other
merits of money, fame, and other worldly distinctions perish
easily.
The Yogas in a horoscope are the clearest indicators of prarabdha
(destined karma) along with the time of birth, the birth Moon,
and birth constellation. An in-depth study of a horoscope
shows how one would plunge headlong into hectic activities,
sin intensely, show ingratitude, and get trapped in sinister
karmas. Astrology was studied only for this purpose, and counseling
given was based on the one central aim of improving one's
spiritual life. There are many secrets of Jyotish which are
not given in books. Rishi-like astrologers first examine this
aspect (prarabdha karma through yogas) in a horoscope.
Astrology was studied by the rishi-like astrologers for the
purpose of given counsel with the central aim of improving
one's spiritual life.
reprinted with permission
Copyright 2006. Vaughn Paul
Manley. All Rights Reserved.
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