I like to start everything on a positive note and only end it on a positive note. Also in my daily life I like to talk, act and think positively, but practically. However, I must start this article on a slightly negative note so that I can accept a prescient bailout. The first is that I’m really bad at keeping promises. I don’t like to give or take promises. I have become aware of my weakness and that is why I have not made or accepted promises from anyone for the past sixteen years. It’s an obligation, and I hate obligations, no matter what the obligation is.
You’ll be wondering why I’m bringing all these out, and maybe, as you might think, I’m taking out my frustration. No never. I would like to start a series of articles on Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra in a simplified manner so that every layman can understand what this beautiful book contains. Today I want to publish the first article in this series, but I need to write down a few points about myself and my faith so that people can better understand my articles.
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, often simply called Parashara Hora Shastra, is a foundational and authoritative text in Vedic astrology (Jyotisha). Attributed to the ancient sage Parashara, it is considered one of the most comprehensive and detailed treatises on astrology within the Vedic tradition. The word ‘Hora’ in the title refers to the study of time and its influence on earthly and individual fate.
A revered figure in Hindu theology, Sage Parasara is known for his significant contributions to Vedic astrology and ancient Indian scriptures. Believed to have lived during the Dvapara Yuga, he is credited as the originator of the scripture in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. He did not write this, but these writings have been passed down from generation to generation as Sruthis, but a few years ago these writings came into print. This comprehensive work outlines the principles of astrology and provides insight into planetary movements, horoscope interpretations, and predictive techniques.
Parasara is also recognized as the father of Vyasa, the sage who composed the epic Mahabharata. His teachings extend beyond astrology to include various aspects of dharma (righteousness), spirituality and the cosmic order. Parasara’s wisdom is anchored in the Puranas and revered Hindu scriptures and influences the understanding of cosmic laws and the interconnectedness of life.
Known for his ascetic lifestyle and deep knowledge, Sage Parasara’s legacy endures through the continued study and practice of Vedic astrology. Enthusiasts and scholars alike hold him in high esteem and recognize his role in shaping the spiritual and astrological landscape of ancient India. His teachings continue to inspire seekers on the path of self-discovery and cosmic understanding.
The point I want to emphasize is that BPHS (Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra) is part of Hindu theology, and it is the collection of Vedic scriptures taught by Sage Parasara to Sage Maitreya. It is ultimately the result of Vedic thoughts rooted in the Vedic gods, Vedic creation and Vedic philosophy. Meanwhile, I am a hardcore monotheist who does not follow the Vedic lifestyle or faith.
A lot of people get confused when I say I’m a monotheist. They ask: Are you a Christian? I say no. Are you Muslim? I say no. I only ask them one thing: does God have a religion? Why would God have a religion? Guys, I have no religion, and I never taught my children any religion. I come from a communist family and by God’s grace we don’t talk about religion or God in our family. The most dangerous person in the world is the one who fights for his religion and god, because this man has no faith in his own god that he can protect himself. As far as I know, God does not own any religion; it cannot be satisfied with rituals other than good karma and good lifestyle.
I don’t have any specific rituals; I am not ridiculing any religion or their gods; and furthermore, I do not worship idols, as it is contrary to my faith, as God cannot be compromised into an idol. However, I don’t make fun of any religion or if someone worships an idol because that is their freedom. Never fight in the name of God, for no one has ever seen it.
So if someone like me ventures into any branch of Vedic culture, people will definitely raise their eyebrows as to how I am going to fit into this stream. I mainly studied astrology during short-term classes in Guruji KN Raoji’s Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan international astrology classes.
I will share my experiences from my astrology class. In that lesson, Guruji taught about Pancham Bhava, which means 5e house. Guruji taught using certain horoscopes, and then he explained how the gayatri mantra helped one recover from the bedridden phase. I am a monotheist; I cannot recite the Gayatri mantra. I humbly asked him: For those who do not practice Vedic culture, what do they do instead of chanting the Gayatri mantra? His answer calmed me down immensely because he said, It doesn’t matter; you pray to the entity you trust. Guruji is Guruji; he knows the thought process of every disciple.
I will never bow my head to an idol; it’s like death to me. If someone does that, I will never make fun of him because he can relate to it. Let him do that. After all, no one has ever seen God. That’s what all theological principles say.
In Hinduism, I identify more with Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical and spiritual tradition that has its origins in the ancient Vedic scriptures of India. ‘Advaita’ means ‘non-dual’ in Sanskrit, and Vedanta refers to the end or culmination of the Vedas, Hinduism’s oldest sacred texts. Advaita Vedanta is mainly associated with the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, an influential philosopher and theologian who lived in the 8th century AD.
The central concept of Advaita Vedanta is the principle of non-duality (Advaita), which states that the ultimate reality, often called Brahman, is devoid of any form of differentiation or division. In other words, there is only one ultimate, unchanging and undivided reality that transcends the world of appearances. This oneness is considered the true nature of the self (Atman), and realizing this oneness is the goal of human life.
The key principles of Advaita Vedanta include:
Brahman: The ultimate reality, often described as formless, infinite and beyond all qualities. Brahman is considered the source and essence of everything in the universe.
Atman: the individual self or soul. According to Advaita Vedanta, the Atman is not separate from the Brahman; they are essentially the same. Realizing the unity of Atman and Brahman is the path to liberation (moksha).
Maya: The illusory and transient nature of the world. Maya is the force that creates the appearance of diversity and separation in the world, but it is ultimately not real.
Jiva: The individual soul, which is often seen as trapped in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) due to ignorance (avidya) of its true nature.
Moksha: liberation or self-realization. Attaining moksha involves recognizing the non-dual nature of reality and realizing one’s identity with Brahman. This is considered the ultimate goal of life in Advaita Vedanta.
Advaita Vedanta has had a significant influence on Hindu philosophy and spirituality. Although it is rooted in Hindu traditions, its teachings have also inspired thinkers and practitioners from various religious and philosophical backgrounds.
So I told you that when I interpret BPHS, it will have the best logic of all religions, good points from the practical side, behavior management, hypnosis, psychotherapy, psychology, or anything else that can rejuvenate the person, and not limit him in his inner. the four walls of every religion. It’s common sense: God doesn’t need religion. When you say religion, it doesn’t come from God.
Chapters 88–97 in BPHS list recovery measures, but this chapter is not appropriate for the entire architecture of BPHS. These corrective measures mention worship of various planets, devas, nakshatras and gods, which was not the form of worship of sage Parasara. First, sage Parasara lived in Dvapara yuga, the age of Lord Krishna. He was a Krishna devotee.
Srimad Bhagvatam 1.3.21. says this:
tataḥ saptadaśe jātaḥ
satyavatyāṁ parāśarāt
cakre veda-taroḥ śākhā
dṛṣṭvā puṁso ‘lpa-medhasaḥ
Then, in the seventeenth incarnation of God, Śrī Vyāsadeva appeared in the bosom of Satyavatī through Parāśara Muni, and he divided the one Veda into different branches and sub-branches, because he saw that people in general were less intelligent.
Vishnupurana also belongs to Sage Parasa, so the strict Vyshna followers do not worship any deity other than the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Gurji Shree KN Rao is a Lord Krishna devotee.
Although Parasara has praised Agni and Soma in Rigveda Chapter 1, we do not see him praying to them. So Parasara was indeed also a monotheist.
In Bhagavad-gita 7.20 Lord Krishna openly says
Kamais tais tair hrita-jnanah prapadyante ‘nya-devatah
tam tam niyamam asthaya prakritya niyatah svaya.
Those whose knowledge has been carried away by material desires surrender to the heavenly gods. They follow their own nature and worship the devatās and practice rituals designed to propitiate these celestial personalities.
The following Scripture may be somewhat contradictory.
Bhagavad Gita 7.21
Yo yo yam yam tanum devotee shraddhayarchitum ichchhati
tasya tasyachalam shraddham tam eva vidadhamyaham
Whatever heavenly form a devotee wishes to worship with faith, I encourage such a devotee’s faith in that form.
Bhagavad-gita 7.22 will clearly show what the Lord wants to say.
sa taya shraddhaya yuktas tasyaradhanam i hate
You can benefit from the mother’s body.
Endowed with faith, the devotee worships a particular celestial god and obtains the objects of desire. But in reality, I only arrange these benefits.
That means you or I pray; the answers come from one source. You can call it Krishna, Allah or Yehova, or as I call it, just GOD.
So what I was trying to say is that I will interpret BPHS chapter by chapter without corrupting the foundations of this divine science, which is purely of the main species.
Still, I can’t promise how often I’ll write it, as I don’t like to make or accept commitments. I literally hate that. If you like reading, you read it. Otherwise, leave it alone. Yet my true desire was to translate this complex book for those who really wanted to know.
