Dr. Abdul Kalam has mentioned in his autobiography that he studies books on cosmology with great interest; but, at the same time, he admits honestly that he fails to understand why people attach so much importance to faraway planets in the solar system, thinking that they exercise power on human beings, living on the earth, and guide their fate. Dr. Abdul Kalam has nothing against astrology if it is taken in the form of an art, but the very idea of deriving highly subjective conclusions derived from complicated calculations manipulated around the precise movements of celestial bodies, e.g. planets, star constellations and satellites, seem illogical to him.
Dr. Abdul Kalam is a renowned scientist and engineer, and is also known as missile-man of India. He has his own capability, thorough study and analysis, investigative thoughts, style and maturity. In the manifestation of his thoughts there is seriousness with a conscious inquisitiveness; and his thoughts seem inviting Pundits, scholars and astrologers to ‘open discussion’ on cosmology and astrology.
In fact now is the time when we must investigate thoroughly with concrete logics the traditional beliefs in the effects of planets, star constellations and satellites on human lives as brought about by astrology.
Astrology should be investigated and put to tests because the science of astrology has taken a concrete shape, by now, in its commercial form. At the same time, also the central government has created a provision for higher studies in astrology through the University Grant Commission and has allotted a fund for it as financial help. The science of astrology, now, has become a source of employment and earning for thousands and millions of practitioners of astrology.
Great palmist, Cheiro, while emphasizing the importance of safety through palmistry, has quoted the following four lines of an English poem to prove the logic of his statement—
The greatest Truth may lie in smallest things,
The greatest in what we most despise,
The greatest light may break from darkest skies,
The greatest chord from even the weakest Straegs (sic).
Also, Cheiro was of the view that if any kind of science, art or activity, is aimed at the right target and its perfection strives for the progress or dvelopment of humanity, then such science, art or activity, has every right to be encouraged and attain recognition.
This science (palmistry), too, is part of the science of astrology. In order to contemplate this science, we shall have to go back to the early days of the world history. And in order to be able to probe deeper into the matter we shall have to think of the ancient most people. While making a deep survey of the ancient historical situation of the known world, we find that the credit of the first ever linguistics goes to the Aryan culture and civilization. We cannot go beyond history, but we may get information from old monuments, caves and other archaeological evidences which give description of ancient periods; and it is still demand of time to make an investigation of these.
Regarding the origin of the science of palmistry we shall have to travel back into the periods of time which may be considered almost prehistoric. During the ancient periods of the Aryan civilization, the Aryans had their own literature beyond which we cannot go. But whatever historical literary treasure trove is available with us, needs deep study…For study, along with the study of planetary positions, we shall have to advance, considering that these are helping materials for attainment of knowledge.
The great and erudite scholar, Shri Rahul Sankrityayan, also has made a mention in the preface of the third edition of his book, ‘Samyavad Hi Kyon’ (‘Why Communism only’), that the experts in the science of astrology (here the astrologers have been considered as scientists) are of the view that thousands of millions of years ago the sun was one single round object assimilating all its planets and satellites within itself. During that period the sun was much hotter than what it is now. Since the materials and properties of the planets, like the Earth and the Mars etc were in the form of steam, the area of the sun was stretched to a much farther extent.
Though the sun was much bigger than what it is today, it did not cover the entire sky. The innumerable stars that we see in the sky are equal to the sun which existed during that period in its much-much bigger size. But, do they cover the entire sky? These stars can be likened to a ship floating on the surface of the waters of the ocean. It must have been that a huge star from some faraway corner of the sky, at some point of time, began advancing towards the sun. The closer it came to the sun, the higher tidal waves began taking place in the ocean of steam of the sun. And when it entered the closest zone of the sun, the tidal waves of the sun assumed the form of a millions and millions of miles long cigar-like tail. After this star began going away from the sun, this fraction of the sun was separated and thrown away, like the surf of the tidal waves are thrown away when the waves fall with enormous force. This thrown away part of the sun broke into so many pieces which began orbiting around the sun. These pieces became the planets of the solar system. In the same manner, two thousand million years ago this earth also got separated from the sun. And following the same kind of coincidence, due to certain star of the sky, a part of the earth also got separated and became a celestial body, the moon.
The above description renders support to Dr. Abdul Kalam’s statement that he does not understand why people attach so much importance to faraway planets, star constellations and satellites, thinking that they affect our day-to-day life. (The astrologers, taking advantage of the general belief in this regard, have devoted a lot of time in trying to prove the effect of these celestial bodies on human life, thinking that the effect of these objects are extremely powerful. People not only believe them, they rather follow their (astrologers’) instructions blindly and what is it that they do not do in order to obey them. Such is the complicated description of the directions and positions of planets given by the astrologers that people get confused. A normal brain neither understands its logics nor does it understand its scientific analysis.)
Dr. Abdul Kalam says that for him science has always been the path to spiritual enrichment and self-realization. And so, every reader must be desirous of going deep into his viewpoint on cosmology.
Recently in the astrology section of the daily edition of ‘Amar Ujala’ newspaper of 15 July 2002, I read an article of a renowned astrologer, Pandit Vijay Bhambi, on page no. 5 that if the Jupiter is in an auspicious position, it, even in Mahadasha, gives something; and if the Saturn is in the Antardasha of the Ketu the person affected by it becomes a daydreamer. And if the planet, Venus, is in an auspicious position, the troubles caused by it last only for three months…I read the article and I feel that the very starting point of the article will be sufficient for a thoughtful analysis, which is as following—
According to the Shastras, the Saturn will remain in a dominating position throughout the period of the Kaliyuga. The saints and sages have considered it easier to attain and realise the status of the Brahma (Õýræ) in the Kaliyuga. It is the planet, Saturn, which affects the human lives most. It is proven through mathematics that during the 19 years portion of someone’s life span, especially those, having the moon as the sign of their zodiac falling in the Nakshatras of the sun, moon, mars and Rahu, have to pass through the Mahadasha of the Saturn. Come, let us know what happens during the Mahadasha of the Saturn. If the Saturn is powerful in the horoscope, i.e. if the zodiacal sign falls under Capricon or Aquarious, or the Moola (the nineteenth Nakshatra) triangle or in the elevated zodiacal sign of Libra, or is placed in the powerful zodiacal signs of the planets, Venus and Mercury, or is in the Navansha or Uccha Navansha of these zodiacal signs or is in the third or eleventh Bhava, one is sure to be benefited with good luck in its Mahadasha. One enjoys royal status, honour, and wealth and riches. One gets a chance to go abroad also for higher studies, etc etc. These forecasts are related to the lives of people who come under these zodiacal signs under the effects of the planets. In his emphasis on astrology Pandit Bhambi has given statement which is authentic, as its authenticity has been proven through mathematics. In this regard, we get a mention in the book written by Dr. Kalam that mathematics, too, had been one of his subjects during higher studies. And so, his logical mind will also have to analyse as to what the contribution is of mathematics in working out the effects of the planets on the lives of human beings.
Under certain confusing circumstances created by astrologers, a situation arises when one feels compelled to think that he should know, realize and contemplete the real Truth, the real form of the Brahma (Õýræ) and the universe, the way the planets exercise their power and their real effects.
Undoubtedly, it was only ex-Prime Minister, Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, in the history of India, who promoted space flight. It is a proof of her unprecedented courage which she showed in making huge expenditure on this project. It was during her regime that Squadron Leader, Shri Rakesh Sharma, was asked by Smt. Gandhi, after he managed to establish contact with her from space for communication—‘Rakesh! What does India look like?’ Rakesh Sharma said—‘Sare Jahan Se Accha!’ (best in the world). This indeed was a moment for India when this country reaped the harvests of powerful leadership and its far-sightedness; and for Shri Rakesh Sharma it was a moment of great achievement and pride.
The great personality, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who is a great scientist and who contemplates national interests and whom we have as the President of India, is indeed a sign of unprecedented and historic change of time for India. Since he believes that there is a big question mark on the belief that the faraway planets exercise their powers on human lives, the youth of India can expect him to lead them to investigation of truth in the field of knowledge and science; and this expectation would be purely for the reason that for creating a longing for paradise and fear for the hell, it is the planets which are taken support of.
The religious rites and rituals have a separate identity. People have been analysing these and shall continue to do so. People of different communities have their own ways of dealing with their religious beliefs, but the beggars who go door-to-door and collect things like cloths, oil (mustard) and money and take advantage of the blind faith of people in religion, in fact, create a very confusing situation under the false pretence of observance of religion. The beggars have made it a very profitable source of earning. They collect oil (mustard) from God-fearing people and then sell it in the market and thus earn money from it.
Experiments are being carried out in order to make best use of solar energy, and also the Central and State Governments are very active in this regard. And so, it is required that the youths of this country are provided with the knowledge of the planets and the solar system, and it is only then that the doors of progress and development will open up for them. If this is done seriously, sincerely and with firm determination, we shall be able to shut the mouths of those so-called civilized people of more developed countries who call our country a country of saints and snake charmers.
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