Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hinduism Summit in California, USA on 28th August, 2010



The Forum for Hindu Awakening (www.HinduAwakening.org) cordially invites interested persons to the California Hinduism Summit that will be held on Saturday, August 28th 2010 at the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale, CA, USA.


This event can be viewed live online (for those unable to attend in person) at:


http://www.ForumForHinduAwakening.org/events/event.php?id=97




Registration for the event should be done at the same URL.



Mischievous talk by Kanimozhi.


What it means to you to be a Chennaiite?


A very casual query that any Chennaiite – a rich person or an average layperson – will be able to talk something passionately about the bond they have with the city or the way they grew up in the city. But not so with Ms Kanimozhi.


She gave an exceptional narration that showed a terrible disconnect she has with the city but a horrible connect with a crass political mentality.


She could not say a single word on what Chennai gave her or did to her, nor on the way she felt as one who grew up here (or she grew up elsewhere, I don't know). She seems to have no emotional bonding with the city. All that she knew was how to thrust her concocted beliefs to take a dig at Brahmins and Hindus.


Chennai is popularly known for filter coffee, The Hindu and idly- saambaar. The Hindu nowadays looks like their party newspaper and idly saambaar is a non-issue. What is left is filter coffee, and see how she has used that GK to mouth the horrible things! (given at the end of this post)


Filter coffee is connected with 'maami' (usually referred to the married Brahmin woman) according to her.

Kanimozhi sees this maami married to a Muslim or a Christian!

This is her image of Chennai or rather what it means to be a Chennaiite.

Can a maami serve filter coffee if she is married to a Christian or Muslim?

Avanga appo coffee poduvangala illa karuvaadu samaippangala? (Can she make coffee or karuvaadu / non-veg?) Where could Kanimozhi get filter coffee if the maamis go after Christians and Muslims?


Kanimozhi also says that we have not made religion political. But she is making every bit to snub Hindus and takes a peculiar satisfaction in seeing Hindu religion losing its character. Her Chennai must have only Christians and Muslims and no Brahmins or Hindus, it seems.

Why maamis, aren't there women from other castes who have made a mark for themselves? Why single out maamis?


Kanimozhi even takes a solace that there are no honour killings in Chennai (or Tamilnadu?). But there are other killings and deaths. The horrific suicides reported in Chennai in the last 30 days were mostly about Christian women and young school going children who could not bear study-pressure. What does her government do to avert such deaths?


Kanimozhi must also ponder over why there are no honour killings in Tamilnadu in general. She need not whack her head to find the reason. It is enough she sees the Tamil Movies that show the reality atleast in marriage issues. There will be a maaman (uncle) or father who would drag the eloping girl back home and get her married to the one decided by them. In rural Tamilnadu inter caste marriage is still not tolerated. If we go by the surveys brought out by English magazines, Chennai and Tamilnadu still continues to be conservative in marriage issue. Even the city groomed people go through matrimonial columns through 2 levels of vetting – one done by parents on social and other issues and then only the prospective guys and girls come into the picture.


Marriage is not a social approval for a man and woman coming together. It is thought to be so in the present day world. But Hindu marriages have a lofty ideal of discharging duties of dharma, artha and kaama as a man and wife. Then only the final goal of Moksha will become possible. Of these 4 ideals called Purusharthas, Dharma and Moksha stand on extreme ends. Artha (material life) and kaama must be conducted with dharma. Only then Moksha will be a smooth reality. This mentality makes one tolerant to ups and downs of life and accept each other than expect the other to fulfill one's fancies.


This is the basic idea of Hindu marriage and the ideology of ancient Tamils too. Puranauru tells about a king who conducted his daily routine by adhering to Dharma, Artha and kama. Those who sought gifts from the king need not wait at the entrance of his palace to meet him. The king divided his day for Dharma when he used to meet people at a specified time and present them with gifts and the things they wanted. Then he would spend time with his courtiers to discuss about how to conduct the affairs of the state (artha). Then he would retire to his apartments to be with his wife. So the one longing to meet the king to receive gifts from him could go at the time allotted for dharma related issues and get satisfied by the King's generosity.


These 4 purusharthas are unique for Hinduism and are universal in application. The institution of Hindu marriage is built on these purusharthas only. Arjuna was ready to quit fighting mainly on this plank – that the women widowed due to the death of the men in a war would not be able to live in dignity and would be led to trespass the Kula dharma. As a result, the oblations to the Pithrus (departed souls) could not be offered. When oblations are not offered, the future generations would be afflicted with incurable diseases. The causative person who made all these would have to incur terrible karma. Arjuna did not want himself to be the causative one for these things. He was ready to live the life of a despondent than to become the cause for such a scenario.


The Purushartha connected to Hindu marriage is not a mere belief, we can see the misfortune occurring from the 3rd generation onwards. Oblations to Pithrus is the main issue. A Hindu marrying a Christian or Muslim or an atheist of the Dravidian mold or a Hindu converting to these religions would cease to offer the oblations.

The 3rd generation offspring of these people start showing up symptoms of incurable maladies.


As an astrologer I am receiving the 3rd generation people of the Dravidian atheists of the 20s and 30s and also converted people. Jupiter, the lord of Dharma is found badly afflicted in their horoscopes. They also complain of peculiar diseases that have no cure. Kanimozhi can recall the life of some Dravidian politicians who have such instances happening in their families. As a humanist I feel sorry for them, but as an astrologer I can not say any remedy for them other than telling them to fall in line with the Hindu way and wait for one more generation to pass off for better fortunes to return to the family.


Don't undermine Hinduism Ms Kanimozhi. Your father's favorite Silappadhikaram says more vociferously how karma comes back ferociously to the one who initiated it. Taking glee at maamis or Hindus becoming Christians or Muslims can not do any good to you in your karmic long run. You may dismiss this as rubbish. But that is what Kalapurush wants people to do. The trespassers or wrong doers are not punished immediately. They would have their free run in this birth or at the current period. Kalapurush would wait for the immediate memory to die down and then strike at an unsuspecting moment later. No one can escape its dragnet. That is the real lesson that everyone must remember.

*************

From

http://www.dc-epaper.com/DC/DCC/2010/08/22/ArticleHtmls/22_08_2010_103_005.shtml?Mode=0

Celebrating a special bond.

By

KANIMOZHI,

Rajya Sabha member

Outsiders perceive Chennai as a very conservative city, they think of a maami serving filter coffee. That's the image of Chennai outside. But then, the maami could still be married to a Muslim or a Christian, be a top surgeon and a social activist too. That's the real Chennai.



We might be a city of a million kinds of people, yet we live in harmony and can look beyond our boundaries such as caste, class and so on. I don't think anyone here -politicians included, can even dare to dream of justifying an honour killing or such retrograde aberrations seen in some other places.


We are very inclusive and this has not happened overnight.
Chennai is one place which can celebrate a Tamil film and also the December Carnatic music festival, along with the world cinema.


Of course, there are things that have to be done. It would have been wonderful to have our satellite city and it is sad that even expanding our airport is becoming a very political thing. How would you get investments without a good modern airport? And where is the employment then?


I think in certain ways we have to open up and stop making everything political. Thank God, we have not made religion political. And in spite of our pride in Tamil and Tamil culture, Tamil Nadu is one of the very few states and Chennai one of the very few cities which are so inclusive. We have respect for other languages and cultures, and the courage to celebrate them.

Our culture is way ahead and has a more human face. And we are justifiably proud of that.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Auto fuel from Punnai tree (Calophyllum inophyllum)

The traditional trees of India, particularly those connected with stars and planets seem to have a wider range benefits to humanity. Recently the worth of a tree called Punnai or Puarasai in Tamil and known as Punnaga or Naga champa or Purasakeshara in Sanskrit came to be known as providing a viable auto fuel. The oil extracted from the seeds of this tree is found to be a good alternative for diesel. It is found to be economical and eco-friendly also.

This tree is widely seen in many parts of India. This is one of the 50 plus trees that Varahamihira mentions as growing naturally near under-ground water veins. That is, if you find a Punnai tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) growing in a place, there will be water flowing underneath that place. A well dug near the tree will fetch water near the surface itself. There will be plenty of water in such a well and will be sweet and suitable for drinking.

There was a practice in olden days that when the Puunai was not blooming in time, the womenfolk used to dance around it and kick the ground near the tree. A few days after this the tree would start blooming. (Agrawala, Ancient Indian Folk cults, 1970, Varanasi) This practice seems to be a way to disturb or re-kindle the hardened ground under the tree so that the roots could penetrate further down to reach the water that could have gone below due to dry conditions. But water is anyway available under this tree.

In Puranauru (24 & 386), Aga nanuru (10) and Kurunthogai (5 ) this tree and its flowers are mentioned. The tree is praised for giving good shade and therefore a good place to relax. The birds called Kurugu used to sleep in this tree. The flowers contain sweet nectar and were worn by men as a garland. Lord Krishna is said to have given his sweet music on flute by standing under this tree only.

My favorite song in Tamil “Sengani vaayil oru” written by writer Kalki in Kilik-kaNNi style on Krishna’s music has a description of Krishna standing under the Punnai tree on the banks of river Yamuna and playing his flute.

This tree is sacred for Naga or Adhisesha also. For propitiation of naaga dosha, this tree must be worshiped.

Each of the 27 stars of the zodiac in Vedic astrology is identified with a specific tree, animal, bird etc. These are given in almanacs and one can browse the net also to get their names. The rationale of the combination is that the star and the corresponding animal, bird and tree and the person born in that star share the same essence of the star components in all respects. Suppose a person born in a particular star has illness, he has to strengthen the star for regaining his vigor. This is done by growing or taking care of the corresponding tree or animal or bird.

Even if not ill, it is better that one takes care of the corresponding flora and fauna of his birth star.

In the case of pariharas also we go by the star in which the afflicted planet is posited. That star’s tree / animal / bird must be fed and grown well to ward off the defect shown by the star.

This tree is identified for the star Aslesha. Those born in Aslesha must grow Punnai tree or donate or plant Punnai saplings as much as possible.

Punnai is the sthala vruksha of Lord Muruga. It is the stahla vruksha in many temples. The sthala vrukshas are the ones that must never be destroyed. They bestow lot of goodness to humanity and the environment. Probably to protect them only, our Rishis had ear marked them as sthala vrukshas. It is good to know that one such tree is capable of helping humanity in its modern day needs.

This tree can be grown in home gardens also. Varahamihira says so. Before closing this article, let me give a few tips on the ideal days for planting or sowing as given by Varahamihira.

“When the moon passes through any of the Fixed asterisms ( Rohini, U.Phalguni, U.Shada and U. Bhadrapada) or the soft asterisms (Mrigasirsha, Chitra, Anuradha and Revathy) or through the asterisms of Moola, Vishaka, Pushya, Shravana, Ashwini, and Hastha, trees shall be planted or seeds grown according to the views of sages possessed of the Inner eye of Knowledge “ ( Brihad Samhita 55-31)

********************************

From

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/tree-seeds-fuel-green-power-hope-311

Tree seeds fuel green power hope

Aug. 15: The hike in fuel prices has not affected C. Rajasekharan of Vedaranyam near Nagapattinam. The farmer has for the past five years been using oil from the Punnai tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) to power water pumps that irrigate 36 acres of agricultural and aqua farms.


He may not quite realise the implications of what he is on to but scientists describe the innovation as a potential breakthrough in the search for a green, renewable, non-fossil fuel. The oil, extracted from the kernel of the tree's seed, is more economical than diesel and researchers are now testing the feasibility of using it to power automobiles.


Interestingly, at least one major corporate group is looking at the possibility of using Punnai oil as an alternative fuel. "A Mumbai-based company is cultivating Punnai trees on 60 hectares of land in coastal Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.


The firm plans to commence production in a major way once it is proved that the oil is eco-friendly," said Mohammed Raffi, a marine scientist at the centre for advanced studies in marine biology, Parangipettai.


"One litre of oil costs Rs 33 if you buy the seeds from the market," Mr Rajasekharan told DC. "But if you grow your own trees, it will cost just Rs 12 per litre."

"A certain amount of molasses has to be added while crushing the kernels to make the oil," Mr Rajasekharan noted, adding that the fuel produced less emission than diesel. He has two dozen Punnai trees in his farm and buys additional seeds from the market that he uses to make his bio-fuel.


The Tamil Nadu State Council For Science and Technology has initiated steps to confirm the efficacy of punnai oil as an alternate fuel. "We will study the environmental impact of the oil and patent it if we find that it can be used as a substitute for diesel or petrol," said S. Vincent, member secretary.


Plant scientist at CPR Environmental Foundation, M. Amrithalingam, noted that Punnai was the official tree of Srirangam Temple and Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. "Punnai oil was once popular as an insecticide," he added. A. Gopalakrishnan, a scientist at CASMB, described Punnai, also known as sthal vriksha, as the "eternal tree". "Every part of the tree can be used for some purpose. It is used to make furniture, catamarans and boats. Its timber is light but quite strong," he said.



On the many uses of Punnai and other sthala vrukshas:-

http://murugan.org/research/balambal-trees.htm


Planets influence rainfall.



Atlast some people have started realizing that the planets of the solar system have some impact on the climate of the earth. The magazine "Little India" published by Indians in the USA carried an article on how the ancient wisdom of Indians on predicting rainfall - its arrival, amount and the place where it arrives - based on the planetary positions, is true (given below). It is good news that the Meteorological department of India is taking note of this wisdom.


This wisdom is contained in what is called Medhini or mundane astrology. According to this there are a number of combinations and methods for forecasting rainfall in a place. All the planets of the solar system exert different levels of influence on each other that leave an impact on the atmosphere. In the sangam texts we often come across a reference to sighting Venus in the southern part of the sky that was linked to an impending drought year ahead. The distant Saturn - if it looked smoky to the naked eye was also considered as an indication for the lack of rainfall. Now scientists are coming to think that such influences are possible.


It is also possible that our earth exerts an influence on other planets - say on Venus in accelerating or decelerating the acid rain in that planet. We have not thought of how the earth affects the other planets, but our rishis have found out how other planets leave an impact on the climate of our earth.


According to this wisdom, three factors namely terrestrial, atmospheric and celestial sightings must be recorded on a day - to - day basis in every place. Terrestrial includes the condition of the planets and animals, atmospheric includes the conditions of air, cloud, heat, cold etc and celestial includes the position of planets with reference to each other. The first two conditions vary from place to place. Therefore the observation must be done in all places on all days. What is observed in a place may not be there in place few kilometers from there. In far off places the conditions may be totally different.


Varahamihira has detailed all the probable conditions and combinations pertaining to these 3 factors.
The hurricanes that strike the USA and other parts of the world can be predicted in advance using these parameters. 'In advance' means half a year in advance. This means that the conditions noted in a place on a day will have its effect on the same place when that place comes exactly 180 degrees away from the day in observation (opposite point in space). In astrological jargon we call it as the 7th aspect (or paarvai / drushti ). The rationale is that whatever happens on a day in a point in space and time will have its effect exactly at the opposite point in space and time. This looks as a kind of Karma theory of cause and effect. But it happens meteorologically too.


The amazing information is that the corresponding planetary positions for rainfall or lack of rainfall exactly falls in place on the opposite point of space and time. I don't know whether I am able to convey my thoughts here. All I want to say is that there are different sets of rules for predicting rainfall in a place. The most basic indicator is the three-some factor which I said above. They must be observed round the lock all through the year. For rainfall to occur, the relevant conditions give the result exactly half a year away from that day and in 180 degrees in space from that point in space.


There are other sets of rules for rainfall based only on planetary position. It is seen that they are in place on the day of rainfall when favorable rainfall is indicated in advance by the 3-some factors. For example the climate on the morning of August 15th (Independence Day this year) in Chennai was totally different. It was cool, reminding of the fog - or spreading the chill that we experience in fog - and it rained too. The day was Sukla sashti. The corresponding day half a year behind was Krishna sashti in the month of Maargazhi on January 6th 2010. That day was unusually foggy in Chennai ( fog in Maargazhi is an important atmospheric factor for rainfall). For what prevailed on January 6th, it rained on August 15th. It rained on that day.


In addition to the astrological factor that was noted in advance, that day (Aug 15) also came with a combination that indicated rainfall. Mercury-Venus nearer to each other (Budha - Shukra sameepam) ensured rain. Venus in Hastha nakshatra ensured rainfall. But the rainfall was not heavy on 15th August. If all the 3-some factors had been there on the corresponding day in maargazhi, there would have been heavy rains. Wherever the 3-some factors were sighted, there it would have rained. The point I want to note down is how the planetary position on the day of rainfall also was conducive. It shows that the heavens have a perfect map where the positions of planets fit in exactly to connect the cause and effect.


The rainfall yogas are many and the topic itself is exhaustive. There are momentary indicators of rainfall from the way the animals and birds behave and the way the wind blows and the sky shines. I will write them down whenever possible. At the moment I want the readers to take a look at the salient points given in the article posted below.

******************


From
http://www.littleindia.com/news/143/ARTICLE/6904/2010-08-08.html

I Heard The Crows Call For Rain

As scientific tools falter in predicting rain patterns, Indian scientists turn to the Vedas and traditional knowledge for some fine tuning.
By:
Jeet Alexander

Nearly 70 percent of India's population relies almost exclusively on agriculture, so accurate weather forecasts are extraordinarily important. During the past 100 years, the monsoon has been normal 85 times, so predicting an uneventful season is relatively safe. Nevertheless, during the last two decades, the official rainbow chasers have gone terribly awry.


Retired Air Vice Marshal Ajit Tyagi, director general of Indian Meteorology Department (IMD), admits, "The extremes are really difficult to forecast." The 135-year-old department, supported by dedicated satellites and hordes of sophisticated Doppler radars, predict the amount of rainfall (in percentage) annually. Every year, IMD projects precipitation levels on a scale, in which it predicts either a normal monsoon, a drought or a flood. The country's economic fortunes and rural lives hang on its projections.


However, the IMD has failed to predict a single drought in the last 130 years. Throughout the past 20 years, it has predicted only "normal" monsoons, whereas the country experienced floods in 1994 and catastrophic droughts in 1987, 2002, 2004 and 2009. IMD's projections have proven correct only four times in the last 16 years, representing a failure rate of an astronomical 75 percent.


Back to basics

In a country that boasts of being the pioneer in operational seasonal forecasting, such failures can be catastrophic, leaving poor farmers, who are solely dependent on rains for irrigation, stranded. Many turn to folk knowledge, especially Panchang, the traditional Hindu Almanac, which not only explains the religious significance of each day, but also contains the cipher of calculations to accurately foretell rains. Astrologers and pundits have long decoded the Panchang to predict rainfall years. Now Indian scientists are turning the Panchang pages too.


Parshotambhai Kanani, a professor at the Gujarat Agricultural University in Junagadh, was one of the earliest scholars to tap the Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) for rain prediction. He researched and published papers on traditional meteorological principles in Saurashtra from 1990-1998.


Kanani related how he was drawn to the research. In 1990, IMD predicted a normal monsoon for the nation as a whole. Although the monsoon was indeed normal in the rest of the country, it eluded the region of Saurashtra even in July, setting farmers on edge. Kanani chanced upon two unknown local meteorological experts, Devjibhai Jamod of Jetalsar village, an engine driver with Indian Railways, who recorded meteorological observations daily and predicted rainfall as a hobby, and a farmer and school teacher Jadhavbhai Kathiria of Alidhra village.


Ajit Tyagi, director general of Indian Meteorology Department: "The extremes are really difficult to forecast."
Devjibhai was emphatic that there was no possibility of monsoon in the region that year until Aug 15. "If it rains, along with lightning and mild thunder on the second day of Jayestha month, there will be no rain for the next 72 days," he claimed on the basis of a 12 century text Bhadli. Jadhavbhai made precisely the same prediction.


Kanani says, "We were intrigued by their observations and predictions. Their prediction came accurate." Kanani put out a public appeal for information on local meteorological experts. Hundreds of farmers wrote back. It was the genesis of a grass-root society, which organizes the annual Monsoon Seminar where state farmers gather to share data and figure out the onset of rains for the next year.


Kanani, with the Ancient Rain-Prediction Network (ARPN), prepares weather charts targeted at farmers. These agro-climatologists draw upon one invaluable resource — the farmers' panchang or almanacs, which have been in use since the 4th century BC. Based on folklore, astrology, rituals and ancient literature, the 30-odd panchangs across the country are the closest equivalents to the U.S. Old Farmer's Almanac. Two of the most-reliable predictors are based on Bhadli's couplets on wind direction on two specific days: Akshaya Tritya and Holi. Interpretations of the wind direction on these days foretell monsoon, and also diseases, pests, and expected yield of the crop for the season.


Dhansukh Shah: "I prefer calling it forecasting of monsoon based on the solar system and not astrology because as soon as you call it that, the brows rise."
Kanani later published a paper linking traditional and scientific knowledge in weather forecasting for a UNESCO World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2002. He published another paper, "Everything is Written in the Sky!: Participatory Meteorological Assessment and Prediction Based on Traditional Beliefs and Indicators in Saurashtra," in Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics. The papers elaborates on how traditional meteorologists use methods and principles developed by eminent astronomers and astrologers, such as Varahmihir (700-800 A.D.), Bhadri (1000-1200 A. D.), the poet Ghagh (1200-1300 A. D.), and Unnad Joshi (1350-1400 A. D.).


Technology weds Astrology

Anand Agricultural University (AAU) in Gujarat publishes Nakshtra-Charan, a forecast calendar based on planetary positions, which is popular among local farmers. M.C. Varshney, vice chancellor of the university says, "Planetary system obviously influences the gaseous atmosphere of the earth and so the monsoons. Our validation of the forecast indicates accuracy ranging between 40 to 73 percent for various zones across the state".


Similar predictions are published by astro-meteorologist Dhansukh Shah who links the amount of precipitation with Nakshatra, the position of planets. For example, planet Mercury is responsible for bringing rain in Saurashtra while Venus controls rain in Maharashtra, he says. His yearly predictions for the year's monsoon season are released in April-May. Shah says, "I prefer calling it forecasting of monsoon based on the solar system and not astrology because as soon as you call it that, the brows rise."


Shah says, "Since 1992, daily positions of the sun, moon and planets are being worked out, and the selected parameters based on relative motion of planets are applied to identify the probable rainy days. From the year 1998 to 2009, the date-wise actual rainfall data was collected and the skill of forecast verified on Yes/No basis. The results are encouraging. Maximum accuracy for one particular year 1999 was 80 percent and average accuracy is more than 67 percent for Saurashtra and Pune."


The IMD, jointly with the Central Research Institute for Dry-land Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad, undertook a pilot project of blending meteorological data with astrological kundalis (horoscopes) to predict rainfall. Earlier, CRIDA had scrutinised the Bio and Astro methods of rain predictions and published a book Indigenous Rain Forecasting in Andhra Pradesh, which validated several folk measures.


YS Ramakrishna, then-director of CRIDA and publisher of the book, said that the two expositions by sage Varahamihira — Brahad Samhita and Panchasiddhantika — provide precise details on how to perform the calculations and the principles used in formulating predictions. "Astro-meteorology combined with scientific observations is being proved to be better than mere scientific forecasts. There is an accuracy rate of 60 to 70 percent and there is always a relevance of ancient wisdom for weather forecasting for improving agro-advisories,'' Ramakrishna says.


A number of studies, both field and observation, according to the CRIDA study, validated folk methods of predicting rain. Dr. K Ravi Shankar, a researcher at CRIDA, says, "Even the positioning of the nest by weaver bird was found to be a good indicator of long-range weather forecast in Rangareddy district."


Dr. S.R. Joshi, a well-known astro-meteorologist says: "The basic factors taking part in forecasting rainfall are the same today as they were in the Vedic period. The planets that are moving in the solar system are governed by mutual attractions. Hence, the position of different planets in the solar system indicates the position of clouds."


Ashok Vasudev: "Modern day compartmentalization of spirituality and science has led us to ignore the age old wisdom of our ancestors."
Astrologer Ashok Vasudev, head of the J.R. Vedic Trust in New Delhi, says, "Our Vedas say, when the sun goes across star Krittika, the summer heat gets intensified as this star is associated with Sun, the god of fire. That is the exact time phase when temperature keeps soaring and droughts strike. The movement of sun and Saturn in conjunction imply that winters are ahead. Similarly, dry weather prevails when Sun and Jupiter run alongside, while with Venus rainfall is round the corner, so on and so forth. The equations are clear-cut and results sacrosanct."


He adds, "For more than a decade now, I have been predicting rains, floods, droughts and quakes and my forecast rarely go wrong. Meteorology departments' success rate can't stand against mine. All credit goes to our ancestors and yogis who wrote these Vedas and Upanishads. I am a mere decoder."


T Unnikrishnan, a Kerala astro-meteorologist who has collaborated with Dr GLHV Prasada Rao of Kerala Agricultural University, says, "The astrological predictions are occurring 99 percent true in Kerala. IMD predicted the onset of monsoon in Kerala from the first week of May to the 31st day of the month, whereas Astro-Meteorology gave dates from 9th of June to 6th of July this year. When I approached IMD they didn't believe me, when they went wrong, blamed it on El-Niño."


Srikant Jha of Patna's College of Agriculture says: "All across timeless India, those living off the land are turning to ancient portents rather than relying on a government forecasting machinery that invariably fails them." He notes wryly, "The Cray Supercomputers with meteorologists cannot match their accuracy."


Jha points out that long before the IMD predicted a drought in Rajasthan, the Bhil tribes of the Thar were already prepared. The extra bushy Khair trees and the wild cucumbers, which had sprouted everywhere, were omen
enough for the villagers. "Other indicators of a dry spell, as followed by village folk elsewhere in India, include crows cawing during the night, foxes appearing during the daytime and snakes climbing up trees. But should chameleons climb trees (besides changing colors to black, white or red) the opposite is indicated — torrential rain," Jha says.


Anil Gupta, a professor at the Centre for Management in Agriculture, Ahmedabad, in scarcely surprised. "After all, what are these indicators? These are recognition of patterns in weather behaviour. Why should the search for patterns not deserve proper scientific scrutiny?"


In 1993, prominent Indian meterologist P.R. Pisharoty validated a crucial pattern first outlined in the Brahad Samhita, a 6th Century encyclopedia by Indian astronomer Daivajna Varhamihira, in a paper titled "Plant that Predicts Monsoon" in the Honey Bee journal, in which he councluded that the Amaltas or Golden Shower tree is a uniquely accurate indicator of rain as it bears abundant bunches of golden yellow flowers just 45 days before the onset of monsoon.


Says Vasudev: "Modern day compartmentalization of spirituality and science has led us to ignore the age old wisdom of our ancestors. But the ancient combined approach of religion and science could immensely help the society live a better informed life."






Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Jayalalithaa or Karunanidhi – for whom Rajinikanth told the story in the Endhiran audio release?



Rajinikanth's speech is always watched keenly to know his mind on the political scenario of Tamilnadu. In his recent speech on the occasion of the release of the audio CD of his film Endhiran, he revealed a couple of ideas that was running in his mind.


Initially Rajini was all praises for Kalanidhi Maran to an extent that it irritated the viewers. Rajini and his Endhiran team had a reason to be thankful to Kalanidhi Maran. Because when the film was running into financial trouble, it was Kalanidhi Maran who chipped in time and funded the film liberally.


But the excessive praises on him reminded us of the numerous industrialists of this country who also risk their money through which the employees get a safe job but never were praised like this. Only these employees make the films run successfully in the theaters.


It also reminded me that this country gave a paltry sum of 100 crores to the ISRO to do the real science project of Chandrayaan whereas more than 100 crores were spent on making the science fiction film, Endhiran! Here they praise Kalanaidhi Maran for the cost he invested as though that was the life-saving investment. It might have been so for them in the team. So I find no offence with that. This venture coming under the showbiz industry gets all the attention, but let people not forget that the risk and contribution by numerous other industrialists have made our economy what it is today.

Rajini also indicated how quickly Kalanidhi Maran grew from 1993 to 1999 to become one of the top industrialists of the country. When your father is the Union Industry Minister, you can also become a top industrialist of the country – everyone knows this. Rajinikanth reminded us of this !!


Initially the speech by Rajinikanth was available in Youtube in 2 parts. The 2nd part of the Youtube has Rajini touching vaguely on some political issues. This 2nd part was not accessible due to copyright issues. So until the event was shown on the Sun TV on last Sunday, no one had a clue on what he talked towards the end of his speech. After seeing the show in the Sun TV, it was understood why the 2nd part alone was banned for viewing while the same copyright issue did not bother the first part. After the event was shown on Sun TV, the 2nd part has been posted as a recorded version from the TV programme. It can be viewed here.

First part here:-

Rajini talked about team work that went into the making of Endhiran. That far, it is fine. Then he went on to say that if proper 'koottani' (coalition) is made, all the 234 seats can be won. For whom he told this kanakku (calculation)? Who is in need of making 'koottani'? One thing is clear. He need not give this 'idea' to Karunanidhi nor remind him of that. Karunnaidhi already has a firm koottani. So it is someone else that Rajini is having in his mind when he made this observation!

Then before winding up his speech, he told a story. It was about a group of people going together to the top floor of a building. The climbing by steps was a tiresome experience that each one of them would tell a story while climbing the floors to reduce the feeling of tiredness. When they reached the penultimate floor – 69th floor and it was the turn of the one to tell a story to reach the last floor, that person told that he had forgotten to bring the key to open the door of the last floor. They all have to go together to the ground floor all the way to fetch the key. Only if they go together, they can get the key. Rajini told that one can not remain in the top for ever. One has to come down to achieve again.


Why did he say this? This story looked abrupt and not jelling with what he spoke until then. All his team members were humble beings and not the ones who gloated for being on top. Rajini himself told like this about them. Then for whom Rajini told this story? Who is sitting on top? Who is not aware of ground realities? Who has to come down and start afresh?


If you want to probe Rajini's mind, you can read this along with his 'koottani' talk. If 'koottani' was meant for Jayalalithaa, this talk on non-permanency of the top post seems to be meant for Karunanidhi.
Tamilnadu will be going to the polls in the near future. Going by past records, it will not be a free and fair election. The people on top will not allow the people on bottom to vote according to their conscience. Anything can be tolerated but not subversion of Democratic process. That is why we need a fresh 'koottani' (coalition) and the people on top must be grounded to the democratic system of fair polling. In my opinion, Rajinikanth succinctly touched on these two issues in his speech.


In the days to come, I expect him to voice his opinion openly and help in the restoration of fair polls. Let Karunanidhi face the free and fair poll and come back to power. But when he chokes the very life-thread of democracy, he must be stopped. Let all right thinking people voice their opposition to this subversion done and expected to be done by Karunanidhi.


Looking at Karunanidhi's horoscope, I strongly think that he can retire gracefully from public life now itself. Let his sons or party face the polls in honest ways. Allow the people to choose whom they want. If they choose DMK in a non-tempting environment, we will welcome DMK.


As of now, what Rajini told in the story suits Karunanidhi more than anyone else. He is riding his peak time now. But one can not remain in peak at all times. By intuition or by some advice, Karunanidhi originally wanted to retire in July – while in peak- after the World Tamil Conference. This is the right time. But he chose to stick on – due to pressure from his children. This is not a wise decision.


The planets in dasa or bhukthi that were running in his life when MGR and Jayalalithaa were in power are making a reappearance next year when the polls are due to take place! He will be facing the next elections in Venus- moon period. Venus will behave like Jupiter in his horoscope as it is in the asterism of Jupiter. He knows that his Jupiter is weak. (That is why he wears the yellow shawl). In addition it has no bindus in its house in Martian Ashtakavarga. One more information – Jupiter is the 6th cuspal sub-lord. It will not give him 'nimmadhi' – a term Rajini wished him in the meeting where he spoke about Sarvajya.


I personally appeal to Karunanidhi to be content with what he has got so far and retire gracefully from office. Let him know that he has come this far due to the exemplary "Sreekanta yoga" – that comes to a person of devotion to Shiva. But that yoga had been maligned by a retro Jupiter which has gone into debility in the 6th house in Navamsa. A worst offence to the teacher in his last birth had afflicted the Sreekanta yoga as a result of which he gained prominence but reversed all that a sincere devotee would do.
He glorified the one as Guru who can not be glorified by any right thinking person.
He did everything to reverse the glory of Hinduism.
The inner Athma of Karunanidhi would be crying at all the reversal it was made to do as a puppet in the hands of destiny.


The power of destiny or Kaala purush is such that it had used him in its scheme of furthering Kali.
But Karunanidhi would come back –
in a future birth as an ardent devotee – of Rama – not Shiva as he is showing every sign of moving towards Vishnu.
He has gloated on everything he has done – but not on one thing.
That was the help he had silently done – and doing for writers.
Writing, writers, books and publishing come under the influence of Mercury or Vishnu.
Karunanidhi shows a genuine interest in these and had not sought to make a fuss out of it.
This shows he is coming under Vishnu's blessings.


It is probable that he would be re- born as an ardent devotee of Vishnu and who knows - he may even build the Ram Sethu that he wants to destroy now.
His present life is a reversal of what he was in the previous birth.
His future birth would be
a reversal of what he is now.
Such is the game that Kaala purushan plays.
Let Karunanidhi understand this uncertainty and make a wise decision of putting a stop to adverse karma caused by unholy subversion of democracy and retire from politics now while he is still in peak.

Related article:-

Don’t underestimate Jayalalithaa!


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Stephen Knapp on how American Hindus must cultivate their culture in the foreign land.




 

American Hindus: How to Cultivate Your Culture in America


By


Stephen Knapp

 

           

One thing I have witnessed is that how 20, 30 or more years ago, when Indians were coming to America, they came to concentrate on their careers, not their culture. Yet, many of them have now turned back to their culture and have become better Hindus than if they would have stayed in India. Some may have realized that the American dream is not all  cracked up to be, or, more simply, in order to feel more complete and fulfilled, it is better that they still have a strong connection with their Vedic traditions. It may also be because they want their children to be trained-up in the culture of their homeland. So, now many of them have reconnected with the spiritual customs and traditions of Vedic India.

 


However, a problem that many Indian Hindu families are facing is that many of their children, growing up in the West, are losing interest in their culture. That can partly be because the parents don not show enough interest, which is the impression passed on to the children. But, it is also encouraging to see that those children who do take an interest are often becoming more dedicated Hindus than their own parents. Yet, we can see that this is often a matter of association, who the children pick as friends and how they learn about what Vedic culture or Sanatana-dharma really are. Therefore, the children have to be guided by proper training, proper association, and proper observance of Vedic traditions. This also is part of forming the proper samskaras in the minds of the children. And isn't this what we are meant to do anyway?


 

One thing that we should realize while we live and grow in America, is that the way things are going in India, we practically have more freedom to practice the Vedic culture and its traditions in America than we do in India, and I could certainly elaborate on that point, but already have in other articles that you can read on my website. So, we need to know how to utilize this freedom that we have.

 


Secondly, we need to know that America is a prime location where we can work together for cultivating as well as protecting and preserving the Vedic tradition. But we need to base this cooperation beyond the considerations of caste or ethnic differences, those labels of the body. We may call ourselves Hindus, and then Indians, but how many times do you call yourselves Gujarati Hindus, or Bengali, or Marathi, or Tamil Hindus, and so on. Such temporary distinctions of the body are taught in the Vedic texts to be but part of the illusion. And we should not want to remain in such illusion, such maya. The whole basis of the Vedic spiritual process is to raise ourselves out of such illusion and recognize our higher spiritual potential as spiritual beings. We are actually the spirit soul within whatever kind of body we may temporarily have. We need to base our cooperation and the way we identify with each other on that. And America can be the best place for this to happen. 

 


Yet, this is one of the problems that we see in India: there are so many groups that have similar goals and interests for the benefits of the culture and country, but there are so many differences between these groups based on superficialities of the body that they cannot unite and become a strong federation, a powerful organization that can determine their own fate, or the future of the country. If anything, so many associations in India still fight with one another and, thus, weaken each other to the point of becoming incapable of performing any worthwhile actions that will make a real difference for the unity and future of India and its culture.


 

This was the same sort of weakness of the past 1000 years when invaders came into India, sometimes few in numbers, but took over parts of the country without much resistance. It was a lack of unity amongst the princely states, their inability to support each other or come to the aid of another that allowed for such a poor defense system that they could not repel their invaders. So we have to ask ourselves, are we going to continue the same pattern? Are we going to sit back and criticize others and what they have done and point out what they should have done, while we do nothing? If we do, then there is no doubt that we are already finished. It is only a matter of time when we and the Vedic system will become so reduced that it will fade from the world, like other cultures that have been reduced to mere museum pieces. We have to rise above that.


 

Some of you will say that I am being overly dramatic, and that Sanatana-dharma is eternal, so that will never happen. To that I will only ask, haven't you honestly read the Bhagavad-gita? Haven't  you read one of the reasons why Lord Krishna appeared in this world? It was to revive the Vedic traditions and its teachings, which had become lost, faded from what it once was. So, are we going to allow that to happen? Are we going to simply wait for someone else to take up the reigns to lead us, to protect and preserve the culture, or to bring it back to its glory the way it used to be?


 

So, as American Hindus, we should first recognize ourselves as spiritual beings, followers of Sanatana-dharma. Only after that should we recognize each other as Indians, or connected with India. We must first see ourselves as spiritual beings, and then everyone else in the same light, the light of spiritual knowledge. Then we can come together and cooperate in real unity, real concern for protecting and preserving the Vedic Dharma, not only for ourselves, but for our families, our children, and for the many generations to come. Even my own spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, once asked us, what is the use of being Americans if you cannot do something significant?


 

Let us make sure that the Vedic tradition and its  spiritual knowledge is not an eternal yet hidden philosophy that has been forgotten or difficult to attain and utilize. Let us make sure that it remains a guiding light for everyone, all over the world, and accessible for those who seek deep spiritual knowledge, over and above mere pious religion. That is the way it is meant to be. I have often said that Vedic culture is the last bastion of deep spiritual truth. If we lose that, then all of humanity is in for a very dark future.


 

However, as Americans of Indian descent and followers of Vedic culture, we also must never forget that India is the homeland of our Vedic tradition, and that is what it must always remain. We must protect that as well. But how do we use our freedom here in America to do that? What do we do?



 

AN EIGHT POINT ACTION PLAN



FIRST, as I mentioned, we need to respect each other as spiritual beings, followers and friends on the path of Vedic Dharma. We can become encouraged by coming together and associating in this way, and seeing the positive effects of the tradition on each other. Then we must cooperate and work together to assist ourselves and our friends along this path, and there are many ways in which we can do this, of which I will mention only a few here.



SECONDLY, we utilize our freedom to assemble and rejoice in the Vedic festivals and celebrations that we can observe. This makes way for the joys of life, and also creates many samskaras of these happy times in the minds of our children, the memories of which last for many years and propels them to do the same with their children. This is love, this is what we want, love for God and love for each other as parts of God.


 

THIRDLY, the Indian community in America is one of the wealthiest. According to Vedic Dharma, such wealth is a tool to either help spiritualize your life, or build a crown on your head, the weight of which will only drag you down into darker realms in the next life if you are a miser. There also is nothing more beneficial than to help secure the spiritual progress of others, whoever they may be. We may start with our own families, but when we contribute to the construction of new temples, and to the maintenance and the programs and festivals held at existing temples, it is certainly the most beneficial use of our money and our earnings. And when used in this way, it purifies the time we spent in earning it, and turns our occupation into karma and bhakti yoga. Furthermore, you then share in the good fortune of the spiritual progress made by others through your contributions. It is similar to a network marketing program where the more people you sign up under you and help them be successful, the more you also earn. But this is spiritual, so this goes into your spiritual bank account. Thus, the more people who participate in any programs you arrange or support, such as those at a temple, the more spiritual credit or punya you get for the spiritual progress they make. And this can go on for generations, long after you have left this world, depending on what it is that you arrange or establish. Is there a better way to leave your mark in this world than in benefiting others in such a way, as well as yourself? And if you cannot start or do your own projects, at least support those people who are already working in this way. This is far better than dying with large bank accounts that you cannot take with you into the next realm.  

 


These days we can see Indians in America of all status who do anything and spend all kinds of money so their children can go to the most prestigious or most costly universities available. It is almost like a competition in who can boast the most about what colleges their children are going to. And what happens? Much of the time their children become wealthy materialists with little or no interest in the culture or in following Vedic Dharma. They earn lots of money only to spend lots of money on temporary, bodily pursuits. But why not? This is the way they were pushed by their own parents, so what else can we expect. Or people spend lavish amounts of money on weddings. It is a grand festival, but within a few days, its all over and what has the money really done, other than provide something more to boast about? Is this the best we can do? I don't think so. Why not be a little more moderate and spend more money for really benefiting others and future generations by giving for the preservation of the Dharma.  

 


FOURTHLY, educating yourselves and the youth in the Vedic customs and its philosophy is of extreme importance. The number one reason why Hindus convert to other religions is not because the other faiths are so much more organized and well-funded, though this may sometimes be a part of it. But it is primarily that Hindus are not educated enough in their own traditions and Vedic philosophy. They may go to the temple and do pujas, but they may not even know the significance of them, or the spiritual knowledge that is a part of the Vedic tradition, or the depth of this spiritual philosophy. Thus, it is important that everyone is educated properly. This can be done by holding regular group classes and discussions in the temple. And if this is not so easy, I have seen where people get together on a weekly basis to read, comment on and discuss such sacred texts as the Bhagavad-gita among themselves. This is extremely important so that people, and especially the youth, understand their own culture more deeply and can perceive the profound nature of it. I have already written an action plan with a list of points on how to help make the temples more effective.

 


FIFTHLY, we may do all of the above, but we also must realize that all we do to preserve and protect the Dharma can not be fully accomplished without its promotion. Yes, we have to promote the good and the depth of this Vedic culture. Such promotion may start amongst other Hindus, or within our family, Indian community, etc. Or it may also be done in ways to share our culture with other non-Hindus who are interested, such as inviting them to a festival, to the temple and showing them around, or just having a lunch with them at the local Indian restaurant and sharing the stories of your own life on how your culture has had positive affects on you. This is easy, there is nothing hard about it. And if you don't know what to say, then give them a brochure, or a booklet or book that explains the basics of the philosophy so they can start to understand it or look more deeply into it. (And I have  got plenty of free brochures or booklets on my website or that I can send you if you need them.) Basically, whether you like this idea or not, we must learn to promote the values of the Vedic tradition in order to help preserve and protect it, and so others can appreciate it by seeing what it has to offer. This is a reality of these times, and the need for people to understand us. No matter what other religions you see, they all engage in strong promotion in order for people to understand them, or to attract other people to support or be a part of them. Thus, without proper promotion of Vedic culture, the cultivation of it and the protection and preservation of it remains incomplete. If we can present it properly, in a way in which it makes sense to the people, then they will understand it. Its all in the presentation.

 


Such promotion may also include advertising the activities at the local temple, or about the festivals that are being held, or that all in the community are welcome to attend. Such promotion may also involve preparing publications, websites, radio programs, and other ways that help people to get to know about the unique and profound characteristics of the Vedic culture. You never know what might happen through such endeavors. You may find others, such as westerners, who want to participate, or even help support the temple, festivals or projects.

 


To give an example, I was giving a presentation to around 120 people of an interfaith group at the Cincinnati Hindu temple. It was a presentation on how the Divine appears in Vedic art and the various forms and deities of God. Later, as the people were given a tour of the temple and further explanations of the temple deities, so many people came up to me to express how much they liked the presentation and slide show. But they also would say that though they have been Catholics, or practicing Jews for years, they have never felt a strong connection to their religion. But they were really attracted and felt a kinship with what they were experiencing at the Hindu temple that evening. So, we encouraged them to visit more often and read about the Vedic traditions to learn more about it. This proves that you never know what can happen, and that people from all walks of life can feel attracted. We need to realize how special this spiritual culture is and not be afraid to share it with others.

 


SIXTHLY, we must object to all prejudice against Vedic culture and Hinduism in the media. Why are people so easy going about writing and publishing any damn criticism about India and Hindus and Hinduism? Because they know that in most cases, no one and nothing will be done about it. No one will stand up against them. This attitude must change. In America free press is for everyone. In other words, you can also write into the editor of any publication to object to something you disagree with. However, the point to remember is that the more who do that, the more effective it is. And this is where group cooperation becomes very important and influential. If someone denigrates a Hindu or Hinduism, it is not so difficult to write a letter and demand an apology. But if that same letter is circulated to a large group, along with the email or address of the editor, and many people start signing it and sending it in, it will flood the editor's office or email address and certainly get noticed. In today's  world of communication, a program of protest could be put together and accomplished within a few days.

 


A standard letter could be posted on a website in which blanks are there in the form to fill in for whatever incident is to be described, and then used to send into the editor, writer, publisher, or whoever. This makes it very easy, and less likely that such incidents will go without protest. We need to do things in this way.

 


 We also need to process lawsuits as well. Utilizing part of our money in defense of Vedic Dharma in lawsuits against slander or other crimes against Vedic culture and those who follow it will also help make sure that people become more cautious about committing such acts again. These and other methods need to be taken into consideration to make sure that people and the media realize that Hindus are a force to be reckoned with. American Hindus must clearly understand that they cannot remain silent or wonder who will be the fodder for the next racist policeman or person who wants to take their anger out on them. For too long Hindus have not been organized and have remained apathetic to what has gone on around them or to them. This needs to change.

 


SEVEN. This leads to point number seven, in which American Hindus must become politically active. This does not simply mean that you vote, or that you attend fundraisers for your favorite candidate to have a photo with them that you can hang on your wall. How has that helped anything? We need to get more serious. American Hindus can also volunteer in large numbers in political campaigns to show the force that we can have, that politicians realize we are a great force that they will want on their side. But we should also vote as a block. We should look seriously at the issues any candidate is addressing, and then vote for the person who will be best for the interests of American Hindus and relations between the U.S. and India

 


Presently, there are also more Indians in America that have been voted into various offices than ever before. Unfortunately, some are converted Christians. But the point is that it is not so difficult to get started. American Hindus can also run for school boards, city councils, for mayor, and on up to state governor. We should see that as not merely a chance to get into office, but a chance to show the influence of Vedic thought and ideas on the issues of the day, and a chance to show the beauty of the Vedic culture. I had a friend who ran for office in Hawaii. He had no money, no influence, but as he appeared on television shows, and in debates, he gained influence and support. He did not win the election, but everyone knew of his connection with Vedic culture and people admired him. If he would have continued to run for office in following elections, he may have won. In other words, it is all positive. We simply have to step out and do it. And if people do take notice, or if we do win, it can be a major step in preserving, protecting and promoting the beauty of Vedic culture, which can also be appreciated and utilized by Americans themselves. Then instead of you wanting to get in a photo with your favorite politician, people will want their photo with you.

 


EIGHT. The last point is dealing with interfaith marriages. This is happening on an increasing level. As they say, love is often blind, keeping you from seeing the realities that will become apparent down the road. But statistics have shown that most interfaith marriages dissolve, ending with divorce, especially when the issue of children comes up and the decision has to be made regarding how they are going to be raised, and what religion will they follow. The fact is that most Hindu girls who marry outside the Hindu fold either convert or allow their spouse to have control over the children in regard to their faith. And Hindu boys often do the same thing. Therefore, whenever an interfaith marriage occurs, much of the time you can figure that by the next generation or two, that family will no longer be following Vedic culture. They will be something else, which contributes to what may be viewed as the slow demise of the Vedic tradition. That is why the fourth point about educating yourselves, your children and giving them the right association and friendship through temples and youth or Dharmic camps can be so helpful for them to realize the depth of what the Vedic philosophy has to offer, and to keep them in the Hindu fold. This can help pave the way for them to realize the importance of this to their future, their children, and the future generations of their family if they remain in the Dharmic fold by marrying another Hindu, or someone who wants to follow it.


 

These are all powerful ways in which the community of American Hindus can work together to cultivate and benefit from the oldest living, spiritual tradition on earth, as well as preserve and protect the Vedic tradition. Let us all help each other do this. Dharma Rakshati Rakshitah. Jai Sri Krishna.



 


Thursday, August 5, 2010

What men fear most? A survey and some astrology.


A recent survey conducted among the British men showed that they feared most growing grey hairs than going bald. Baldness came second in their list of worries. The third place went to unwanted hair on the ear and then only came worries about over weight and yellow teeth.

I don’t think this list would be the same if surveyed among the Indian men. From what I see from the people coming for matching horoscopes, I get a feed back that receding hairlines or early balding are a disadvantage for prospective grooms. In contrast, graying hair is not a big issue. In a country where wearing wigs is still un common, early balding is difficult to hide while graying hair can be managed easily with hair dyes. Nowadays I suggest parents to look for alliance for their sons as early as in their mid twenties, than to postpone on some family reasons - the most common being younger sisters still waiting to be married. Most men seem to go balding pretty soon in their life.

Looking for indications in astrology for balding, let me first give some notions on Samudrika lakshana for men for hairs.

On body hair and hair on head, the growth of single hair from a single hair follicle is auspicious. It makes one kingly.

If two hairs grow from a single hair follicle, it makes the man learned and observe duties life as prescribed in sastras.

If three or more hairs grow from as single hair follicle, it makes one poor and grief stricken.

On the hair on head, the sastra does not favour thick hair for men. Soft and glossy looking hair, dark and curled and growing not much in quantity and not having split ends is auspicious. Such a person will live in great comfort and be kingly. On the other hand, thick hair growth with unequal length having split ends and not looking glossy and curling too much is not a sign of comfortable living for the man.

On hairs on the ears that the British men were worried about, it is not a bad thing according to this sastra. Long life will be assured for the man with hairs on the ear.

On facial hair, what applies to the head is also applicable here. Glossy looking, but growing well with no split ends is the lakshana.

There is no mention of early balding or early graying in the sastra for men on their physical features regarding hair.

For that we have to look at the horoscope.

According to classical texts, we have to see the lagna (ascendant) in rasi (D-1) and Navamsa (D-9) for the kind of appearance and hair growth.

In addition to them, we have to see D-30 (Trimsamsa) and D-3 (Drekkana) lagna also for determining hair loss.

The sun is associated with hair loss while Saturn is associated with quick ageing, that is, early graying of hair.

A weaker sun in the above mentioned divisional charts hastens the speed of hair loss.

In the fetus, the 6th month is the time for growth of hair on the body and on the head. Saturn controls the 6th month of the fetus. How the hair growth is going to be will be determined by the Saturn- influence on the fetus on the 6th month. But we have no means to judge this as this is with reference to the birth time lagna which we can not know beforehand but which is pre-determined according to astrology.

The lagna (ascendant) stands for how one looks and also for the features of the head.

The Sun in the lagna or in the 7th affects the hair growth. People with sun in lagna or the 7th in D-1 are first rate candidates for early symptoms for receding hairlines. If the Sun is associated with the lagna or the 7th in the other divisional charts also, early balding is a sure happening.

The Navamsa lagna (D-9) also determines the growth of hair. Even if the sun is not in the 1st and the 7th house in lagna, if it gets associated with these houses in D-9, there are chances of hair loss. Navamsa determines the amount and growth of hair.

You can check it in the Nehru family. Nehru had sun in the 7th house (cancer) in D-9 and Sanjay Gandhi

had sun in the lagna of D-9. Rajiv Gandhi had sun in the lagna in rasi. Rahul Gandhi also has sun in the

lagna in D-1 and D-3. It is weak in D-9 in the 12th house in Scorpio, associated with Saturn, showing that he must have already started graying but masking it with some hair dye.

Now let us take a look at sign-wise Navamsa lagnas.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Sun (Leo), no need to worry about

balding. The person will have thick and curly hair growth. Obama has Navamsa lagna in Leo, but has sun in the 7th in D-1.. The sun is strong and auspicious in the other divisional charts. So we have to do a combined reading. Sun in the 7th will certainly give a receding hairline but its strength in other charts with Leo as Navamsa lagna will not give him undue baldness. The hair thickness had come down early in his life. But look at his Saturn. It is in its own sign in both D-1 and D-9 and in lagna in rasi. He must have started graying early. People and the media are thinking that it started only after he assumed office.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Moon (Cancer), there must be worry about hair on the head. There will be more hair on the body but thin hair on the head! Early balding comes with lagna in Cancer in D-9 and D-3 and D-30.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Mars (Aries and Scorpio), there is a strong chance of balding. This is a major pointer to baldness as per texts. There is no differentiation between these signs as being fiery or watery. That they are lorded by Mars is the cause for the hair loss. You can check with Mahathma Gandhi’s horoscope.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Mercury (Gemini and Virgo), the person will have beautiful hair.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Jupiter (Sagittarius and Pisces), once again the same feature as above. Usually the Navamsa lagna in the houses of benefics ensure beautiful and good growth of hair.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Venus (Taurus and Libra), same as above.

If the D-9 lagna falls in the sign of Saturn ( Capricorn and Aquarius), dull and thin hair will result. Early graying is also seen.

*************

From

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Aging-woes-Going-grey-is-mens-worst-nightmare/articleshow/6258827.cms

Aging woes: Going grey is men's worst nightmare

LONDON: Guess gives men darkest blues? Turning grey, a new survey has revealed.
According to the survey, more than half of the respondents said going grey was their worst fear. Hair loss or thinning, is the second most common concern, worrying 40% of the respondents to the Mintel survey of 2,000 British men. Unwanted hair (in the nose and ears) preoccupied 38% of respondents, being overweight bothered 37% and 30% were worried about yellowing teeth.



And, it seems that 45 is the age where real discontent sets in about how a chap sees himself. More than a quarter of those aged between 45 and 54 disliked four aspects of their appearance, compared to an average of over one in ten men.



"Although grey hair is traditionally seen as a mark of distinction in men, the reality is many men are unhappy with their newfound gravitas," the Daily Mail quoted a spokesman for Mintel, a market survey firm.


"The physical changes associated with ageing can act as a catalyst to mid-life crisis as men become less content with their appearance after the age of 45," he added.