Ancient Indian Science

Ancient Indian science
(An article appeared in the Star Newspaper, KL, Malaysia)

By T. SELVA

VEDIC astrology can help people find answers for many things happening or are going to happen to them or to their family members and friends. The predictive and interpretive science provides timeless wisdom that takes into account a vast range of influences from the cosmos.
It began many thousands of years ago in India when its principles appeared in the intuitive awareness of great sages.
According to Vedic astrology expert, Dr Theja Hettiaratchi, astrologers have since then explored the detailed workings of this system and passed down their knowledge.
He said that unlike Western astrology, the starting point of Vedic astrology is star-based.
“This ‘sidereal’ system looks at actual stellar constellations as we see them from earth. The system used by western astrology is based on a ‘fictional’ zodiac rather than the one we see in the constellations,” said Theja, who will be giving a talk on Vedic astrology in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Theja said this zodiac turns or moves backwards in space as a function of time and takes as its starting point the location of the sun at the spring equinox.
His calculations are very accurate, he said "Computer software helps me to get all calculations needed for an in-depth analysis."
In Vedic astrology, greater emphasis is placed upon the totality, including the ascendant, planetary placements and relationships and lordships.
He said only when all parts are seen in terms of the whole can a balanced view be found.
For the sake of understanding one needs to have some appreciation of the parts such as planets, constellations or signs and houses.
He said sages saw a relationship between the movement of the planets and the ups and downs of human experience.
“Vedic astrology explores these variations to help us anticipate challenges and comprehend their meaning. Each of the nine planets used in Vedic astrology is associated with particular qualities including strong or weak, and exalted or debilitated,” he said.
The zodiac for Vedic astrology is similar to that of western astrology with the 12 signs or constellations from Aries to Pisces.
But rather than emphasising the Sun sign, Vedic astrology uses the ascendant , moon and sun signs.
“Horoscopes in Vedic astrology have 12 houses, each of which covers a prescribed territory of influence,” he said
For example, the first house is one aspect of the chart used to examine physical traits, the seventh house for partnerships and 10th house for careers.
He said houses are like homes for the energy of various segments of our life.
“I study the placement of planets within these houses to understand the balance of influences on the life of my clients. Computer software helps me to get all calculations and figures needed for an in-depth analysis of the horoscope,” said Theja.
He prepares additional harmonic charts to analyse life areas like career, marriage, wealth, health, children, spiritualism, education and assets.
“A good astrologer should be able to explain the negative issues in a positive manner and they must not stress on the negative aspects and drive fear into people,” he said, adding that there are remedial measures.
“Wherever there is strength, we feel more easily propelled into success. Our weaknesses attract problems. Vedic astrology offers a sophisticated system of recommendations for working with our strengths and weaknesses.
“It describes remedial measures for problems based on compensating for weaknesses and drawing attention to our strengths to help us fulfill our desires,” said Theja.
Theja, a Vedic astrology practitioner in Perth, received the prestigious Rudra Bhatta award from the Centre of Astrological Study and Research in Bihar, India, last month for his outstanding contribution of knowledge on Vedic astrology outside India.
He said Vedic astrology recommends gems as one of the methods of remedying problems.
Research has shown that certain gems are able to avert negative influences of planets and increase positive ones. The colours and “vibrations” or electromagnetic frequencies of specific gemstones correspond to the colours and vibrations of the planets.
“This is used to our advantage in gem remedies,” said Theja, who holds a PhD in Mineral Science and is a certified gemologist of Germany and the United Kingdom. He is also the director of the Australian Institute of Vedic Studies which he has set up very recently to disseminate the Vedic knowledge in Australia.
“I have been enjoying doing research as a scientist and I find researching a horoscope to be much more challenging than everything else I have done in my life.
“I find that I can help people understand their values while guiding them and giving warnings to go forward in their life,” he said, adding that this can be explained as karmic influence.
He said he gains happiness by making people understand the issues and encouraging them to understand the value of spiritual practice.
Theja said part of his horoscope reading is to teach the values of spiritual practice, caring, loving, compassion, charitable deeds, sharing nature, helping the less fortunate, supporting elders and giving unconditional love.
“Unfortunately, many people in the Western world have been pursuing material comforts while ignoring the values behind the spiritual life. They have taken everything for granted and when things do not take place in the way they want, they get confused, frustrated and stressed.
“I’m delighted that I have the opportunity to give them clarity and happiness in an era where most Westerners are looking for peace through eastern philosophies.”
Dr Theja gave a talk on the science of Vedic Astrology at the Rudra Devi Samaj Centre (46, 1st floor Wisma Vyran, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur). Admission was by donation to the Rudra Devi Samaj charitable activities.