By Vaughn
Paul Manley, M.A.
Some astrologers have the belief that when we strengthen planets
through the practice of remedial measures like mantras, puja
(worship), yagya (fire ceremony), charities etc. that the planets,
especially malefic planets, can cause more harm. For instance,
if someone is going through a difficult dasha and/or transit
of Saturn that they shouldn't recite a Saturn mantra.
This is not a traditional viewpoint. In the classic text, the
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, sage Parashara says:
"At the time when any planet is turning inauspicious
for the native, the said planet should be propitiated with proper
worship and oblations (offerings) because lord Brahma has given
a boon to the planets that whosoever would worship them, they
should do good to him.The growth and downfall of mankind, the
existence and destruction of the world are solely dependent
upon them. Therefore, the planets are the supreme amongst the
divine gods." Ch 86, 26-27.
I recently asked a teacher of mine, Swami Satyananda Saraswati,
who is a priest at the
Devi Mandir in Northen California, about this question of
whether propitiating planets can cause harm. He said:
"We take the opposing view. Each of the planets has
both a positive and negative character. By reciting the mantra
of the planets in question, we strengthen the positive qualities
and endear the general characteristics so they are more propitious
to us, the worshippers. The negative qualities are reduced."
Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Copyright 2006. Vaughn Paul
Manley. All Rights Reserved. |
