Jupiter .........

Jupiter or Brihaspati is also called the Guru (a philosopher guide and teacher; a Self-realized Master; an enlightened being). According to Indian mythology, he is the eternal guide of the Gods or devas who always helps, protects and guides them in their frequent battles against the demons or asuras. He is the Jagadguru (teacher of the world) who incarnates from time to time in order to restore Dharma (ethical way of life in accordance with the principles of Sanatan Dharma or the eternal religion prescribed by the Vedas). In the role of the Jagadguru, Jupiter is the Lord Vishnu. For example, Lord Krishna, the most famous incarnation of Vishnu, is also revered as the Jagadguru. It is because of this reason that Vishnu is often worshipped on Thursday or Guruvar, the day of the week associated with Jupiter or Guru.

As a planet, Jupiter is the ultimate benefic. Jupiter sitting alone in any house normally functions beneficially with respect to the nature of that house. The qualities of any house that it sits in or aspects get expanded enormously because of its influence. For example, Jupiter aspecting or sitting in the second house makes a man enormously rich, and a wonderfully lucid communicator; in the third house, it makes one extremely courageous and optimistic; in the fourth, it gives one a wonderfully pious mother, love for motherland, huge real estate, good education etc. and similar is the case with other houses. What I have written above is certainly true when Jupiter sits all alone and not influenced by any aspect from any other planet. In case, it is involved with the other planets, we would need to look at the whole horoscope to interpret.

Jupiter is the great protector. I have seen that even when the malefic planets like Rahu, Mars, Saturn etc. give one troubles related to a certain house, an aspect of Jupiter on those planets keeps their evil influence in check. For example, let's say that the Lagnesh or the ascendant lord sits in the sixth house afflicted by Saturn. This indicates a chronic disease to the native. But if Jupiter aspects this combination, the native may suffer from chronic disease but would also ultimately recover with good treatment. Not only that, he would learn a lot about a healthy lifestyle because Jupiter the teacher will help him do so.

Jupiter being the Lord of ninth and twelfth houses in the kalpurush horoscope, is the significator of higher learning, religion, spirituality, spiritual teacher, long distance travel, connection with foreign lands and luck, freedom from debts and Self-realization or moksha (liberation from the cycle of births and deaths). If a strong Jupiter is either placed in or aspects the ninth house, it indicates that the native will travel to many distant lands in his life, would grow a magnanimous view of life, would grow a lot in terms of wisdom, would receive help from the divine whenever needed, would get good guidance from evolved mentors, and he himself would love to teach the higher principles of life to younger ones. Such a person loves knowledge, especially knowledge related to deeper principles of life.

Jupiter also is the significator for children. A well disposed Jupiter blesses one with brilliant, obedient, and lucky children who adore their parent. A strong and well disposed Jupiter also means that one loves children, and loves to play with them and teach them.

Jupiter associated with fifth, seventh or tenth house makes one well known and respected in one's profession. A good and strongly placed Jupiter, especially when it is associated with Moon or Sun, gives one a jovial and optimistic outlook towards life.Being the devguru (teacher of Gods), as an archetype, Jupiter represents deep spiritual wisdom, esoteric knowledge of the eternal principles that govern this Universe (for example, the law of karma), ethical behaviour, benevolence, kindness, healing, a good character, and most importantly, expansion of all the good qualities and things in one's being and life.

To cut a long story short, a well disposed and strong Jupiter in one's horoscope is a blessing from the Divine for leading a lucky life in which one grows a lot in the areas indicated by Jupiter's placement.

The Dead Rat

Chuang Tzu’s friend, Hui Tzu, had become the Minister in the Kingdom of Liang. He hadn’t been in touch with Chuang Tzu for quite some time, possibly due to his many duties and busy schedule, so Chuang Tzu thought it might be a good idea to pay his friend a visit.

One of Hui Tzu’s advisors heard about this, and went to see Hui Tzu immediately. He said: “Your Excellency, have you considered the possibility that perhaps Chuang Tzu is coming here to take over your position as the Minister?”

This notion made Hui Tzu quite nervous, so he ordered his people to search for Chuang Tzu throughout the land of Liang. They looked for three days and three nights, but came up with nothing — because Chuang Tzu hadn’t arrived yet.

Eventually, Chuang Tzu showed up to see his friend. Right away, he sensed a certain tension in the air. Hui Tzu did not seem happy to see him. It was a bit strange — Hui Tzu appeared to be on guard, but also aggressive and confrontational at the same time. Before too long, Chuang Tzu figured out what was really going on.

He said to Hui Tzu: “There is a kind of bird similar to the phoenix, called Yuanchu. Have you heard of it? For its migration flight, the Yuanchu bird travels from the Southern Sea to the Northern Sea. When it is tired, it rests only on the firmiana tree. When it is hungry, it eats only tender bamboo shoots. When it is thirsty, it drinks only pure stream water.

“One day, there was an owl who found the rotting carcass of a rat. It was about to feast on the carcass when it saw the Yuanchu bird flying overhead. Alarmed, the owl immediately took action to protect its meal. It held onto the dead rat and squawked with all its might, trying to scare away the intruder. So, my old friend… did you  understand  this  story ? hope you  did ......

Chuang Tzu and Hui Tzu started out as friends, with similar attitudes about life. As time went on, they began to grow apart. This was because Chuang Tzu studied in order to understand the Tao[ similar  to  zen] , while Hui Tzu studied in order to attain a higher position.

At first, Chuang Tzu was not aware of the distance between them, because the transformation of the was gradual and subtle. It did not occur to him that his visit might be misconstrued as something other than the renewal of an old friendship.

This kind of divergence can happen to you too. As your path unfolds to  gain only  knowledge , you may not be aware of how much your thinking has changed. It seems like everyone around you hasn’t changed all that much, so you must also be pretty much the same, right?

Not quite. When you cultivate the path  positively  and  properly, it gives you new ways to look at everything. You can observe the world with a deeper perception and appreciation. Everyday things take on new meaning and provide new insights. You see what others cannot see; you feel what they cannot feel.

Chuang Tzu compared this state of being to the rare and beautiful Yuanchu bird. The migration flight of the Yuanchu is the journey of the Tao cultivator journey . When you are on such a journey, your life is filled with purpose and meaning. You know where you are going and how to get there. This alone differentiates you from those who used to be your peers.

Just as the Yuanchu found rest in the firmiana tree, you find spiritual restoration in the Tao. Others may be puzzled about this. They may not see the point of practices like meditation, reflection and contemplation. Why waste your time in quiet solitude?

The bamboo shoots and pure water for the Yuanchu bird are just like the spiritual sustenance you need. It feeds the soul so you can continue your journey. It’s nothing like the monetary gains or social prestige that feed other people, the way that being the Minister fed Hui Tzu’s ego.

You know that desirability is an illusion, and behind it is a reality not so different from a dead rat.

Let this story be a cautionary note. You may have changed, but the world remains unchanged. Your path in life may be beautifully clear to you, but it may be incomprehensible to others. They may be on guard or defensive as you approach. They may think you are out to “get” them, when the things they hold so dear actually mean nothing to you.

When that happens, there is no need to feel upset. Realize that the hostility you encounter is nothing more than the owl squawking at the Yuanchu. If you try to explain, the owl will only get crazier, and even more desperate to protect its property. Your best option would be to ignore it. Continue on your flight… toward your destination.

Scholarly Attire

Once, Chuang Tzu visited the land of Lu and was invited to the palace by its ruler. They spoke for a while, and the topic of learning came up. With much pride, the King said: “In my land, we have numerous scholars studying Confucian teachings. However, we have very few who follow your Taoist teachings.”

“Numerous?” Chuang Tzu was skeptical. “Your Majesty, I believe you actually have very few Confucian scholars.”

This displeased the King. He said, “Is that so? Take a look around. Everywhere in my kingdom, you see people wearing Confucian robes to signify their learning. How can you seriously claim that there are very few of them?”

Chuang Tzu knew he might offend the King even more, but he continued: “Your Majesty, I have heard that among real scholars, the ones who wear round hats know astronomy, the ones who wear squarish shoes know geography, and the ones who wear jade can provide decisive analysis. In actuality, those who possess genuine knowledge may not wear such things at all. Similarly, those who wear them may not possess genuine knowledge.”

The King looked rather unconvinced, so Chuang Tzu added: “Your Majesty, if you do not believe me, then issue an announcement that anyone who wears scholarly attire without actual understanding will be put to death. Give that a try, and let us see what happens.”

The King wanted to prove himself correct, so he took up the challenge and did exactly as Chuang Tzu suggested. Much to his surprise and annoyance, the number of people who wore Confucian robes dwindled rapidly. After five days, there was only one man still dressed that way. The King summoned him and put him to the test. He was able to answer all the questions from the King quickly and thoroughly, demonstrating much knowledge.

Observing this, Chuang Tzu remarked: “Your Majesty, his attire certainly matches his learning. However, he is the only one person among all your subjects, so we certainly cannot call that ‘numerous.’”

The Tao

Appearance can often be deceiving. Back in the days of Chuang Tzu, anyone could wear Confucian robes. It didn’t necessarily mean they had mastered or even studied Confucian teachings. They might have the scholarly looks, but not the substance.

It is like that in our world too. Some people parade around with their degrees and positions, trying to create the appearance of great learning or authority. The reality may not be so great. The impressive-sounding degree may be from a diploma mill. The high-level position may be something they lucked into, or even made up for themselves.

Of course, there are also those who possess genuine credentials, like the man in the story who still wore scholarly attire, and was able to demonstrate his knowledge. We cannot paint them with the same brush as those who make false claims.

The only way to discern the truth is by putting the claimed knowledge to use in real-life applications. When the rubber meets the road, pretensions vanish and authenticity prevails. This is what Chuang Tzu and the King tried to do with the announcement and test. For us, it may be having people work on a job to see if they sink or swim. Reality is the ultimate arbiter, especially over a period of time.

We should also apply the teaching to ourselves, and consider if we, too, have created an appearance that does not match reality. If that is the case, then we need to shed our Confucian robes for something more genuine, plain, and humble.

At the same time, it may be a great idea to work toward earning the robe, if it represents an area of knowledge you wish to master. It is truly fortunate that in this day and age, learning is more easily available than ever before in human history. You can find many books on any subject in the library, as well as a wide variety of training videos on the Internet. If you learn a little bit every day, you cannot help but build up a tremendous expertise over time. If you choose a subject matter of interest to you, then you can look forward to endless hours of fun and fascinating in your intellectual exploration.

Sooner or later, you’ll be able to wear your own scholarly attire with confidence. At that point, you may not feel the need to wear it at all, because what you hold internally is more important than the appearance you present externally. When you do wear it — thereby displaying your credentials — you will know that you have done it right. It is an honor you have rightfully acquired through diligence and discipline. It has become a part of you… and something no one can ever take away.

What is Saturn?

What is Saturn?

Saturn is a cold and dark planet which is farthest from the Sun (among the 9 planets in Indian astrology).

According to the Indian mythology, Saturn is known as Karmfal Data, the one who gives you fruits/results of your karmas. Saturn can see your past and present, and defines your future/destiny based on your past actions.

To please Saturn one should simply do good karmas, be responsible and hardworking.

Saturn is the Karka of your 10th house: 10th house in your horoscope represents your career and what you are meant to do in your life.

This was the short intro about Saturn and now moving back to the question.

How Saturn effects your career?

Let’s say, you are going through your Saturn Mahadasha and you have not yet chosen your field of study or career you wish to pursue.

Saturn is also the lord of your 10th house and hence holds the utmost importance for you in your career.

Most astrologers will suggest you to opt for a field of study or career represented by Saturn.

Saturn is the significator of:

1.       Land and property

2.      Mining

3.      Coal

4.      Lead

5.      Steel and iron industry

6.      Jail

7.      Isolated places

8.      Crematorium.

Saturn is the farthest and coldest planet in the solar system. Saturn represents the poor people and low type of jobs.

1.       Servant

2.      Cleaner

3.      Maid

4.      Sewer cleaner

5.      People who work in the crematorium

6.      Executioner in jail

7.      Ragpicker

8.      Garbage Guy

These are the places of work and careers that are associated with Saturn. Occult and mysticism is also a thing associated with Saturn.

If you feel you have a strong Saturn and you should do something related to what represents then you have the list above.

But what if I tell you that even if you have a strong Saturn, you can get benefit from the Saturn without even getting into the fields represented by Saturn?

If you have a strong and positive Saturn, it is a boon for you. Saturn is that one planet who can make you suffer a lot and when you have a positive Saturn, you can expect fewer problems in your life.

If you have a strong Saturn then it can make you successful in any of these fields:

1.       Business

2.      Real Estate

3.      Politics

4.      Leadership Role

5.      Public Speaking

6.      Body Building

7.      Teaching

8.      Consulting

You must be thinking that most of these things are represented by Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, and other planets. How come Saturn can make you successful in these fields?

Saturn can make you very good in any field. Saturn means experience and Saturn represents learning through experience, introspection, and practice.

Saturn represents isolation and separation but a well placed Saturn will show you all the bright side of this world while keeping you attached to your roots. This is the beauty of Saturn.

Unlike the planets like Venus and Rahu who will make you attached to the worldly pleasures.

How to find out which way to go and how Saturn is influencing your career?

First, you need to see if Saturn is positive in your horoscope. If Saturn is not positive in your horoscope then you should see what the other planets are indicating because Saturn will not contribute in your success but will only teach you harsh lessons in life.

A planet is negative when it signifies the 6th, 8th and 12th house. If you are a Leo Ascendant and have a Pisces Saturn. Saturn owns the 6th house and occupies the 8th house.

A planet is positive for the career when it signifies the 10th and 11th house. Aries ascendant Saturn owns 10th and 11th house makes it a good planet for the native.

If you have a strong well placed Saturn then you should interpret and see the direction Saturn is pointing to.

To figure that out you need to see:

1.       Houses signified by the Saturn in your horoscope

2.      Houses signified by the nakshatra lord of Saturn in your horoscope

Example 1: Aries Ascendant, Saturn is in the 10th house occupying the constellation of Mars (Dhanishta nakshatra) and suppose Mars is in own sign too.

Saturn signifies here 10th and 11th. Mars signifies 1 and 8.

Houses signified: 1, 8, 10 and 11

This Saturn indicates success in politics, gain in a leadership role, the sudden rise in career, gain through insurance.

Reason: 10th and 11th houses bring success in career. 1st house is for leadership and politics. 8th house is for insurance and sudden events in life.

A well placed Sun here, like Sun in the 5th house in own sign will further support the native enter into politics because 5th house is the house of politics, leadership and power. The 10th house is administration.

Example 2: Libra Ascendant, Saturn in the 10th house in the sign of Cancer in its own constellation (Pushya Nakshatra)

Saturn signifies here 4th and 5th house due to lordship, and 10th house due to occupancy.

Saturn is in its own constellation, gaining the capacity to give results more strongly.

Houses signified: 4, 5 and 10

Saturn will give success in the field of teaching and education.

Reason: 4th and 5th house are the houses of education. 10th house brings success in career.

The support of Jupiter and Mercury will further enhance these qualities in the native as both Jupiter and Mercury are beneficial planets for education and teaching.

I hope that you are able to understand how Saturn and other planets can shape your life.

These are the things that I have closely observed in my life and the lives of other people. A planet starts showing its effect from the day its time period starts. Sometimes, people change career or entirely change their path or way of living, this happens when there is a major dasha change and the lord of the previous and later dasha indicate something entirely different.

A planet brings its own flavor but the houses signified by the planet clearly indicates the direction or path you will follow. If you have a strong Saturn and your Saturn time period is about to start then instead of searching what Saturn represents look within and you will feel an inclination towards a certain field of education/work and that will lead you to success.

Saturn is that one planet that will ask for a lot of dedication, consistency and hard work but will surely give you success in the long run. Saturn is the most trustworthy planet and a well placed Saturn is a boon.

This is I am saying with my own experience.

A game of chess

Zen Story: A Game of Chess

A disillusioned young man travelled to a far off monastery and approached the Master there.

“I am tired and disappointed with life. I seek enlightenment and freedom from all suffering. But I am not capable of endless meditation and austerities. If I tried that, I would revert to my bad ways and old life, despite knowing how painful it is. Is there a short cut to enlightenment, Master?”

“Yes, there is,” said the Master, “provided you are genuinely determined. What did you study in your youth? Is there anything, anything at all that you have really concentrated upon in your life?”

“Nothing much. I come from a wealthy family and never had to work. The only thing that’s ever really interested me is chess. I used to spend a lot of time on the game.”

The Master summoned his attendant. “Send Gyosei here; ask him to fetch a chess board when he comes.”

“Sir, Gyosei cannot play chess.”

“That’s fine. Just call him.”

When the monk Gyosei arrived, the Master arranged the chessmen on the board. He also asked for a sword and showed it to Gyosei. “Monk, you have sworn obedience to me and now, I am going to ask you for it. Play a game of chess with our visitor; if you lose, I shall chop your head off with this sword. If you win, I shall chop off our visitor’s head.” The look in the Master’s eyes revealed that he would do exactly what he had said.

The game began. The young visitor felt sweat running down his back. He was playing for his life. He forgot his surroundings; the chessboard had become his world. Soon, when his opponent made a weak move, he launched a powerful attack. When Gyosei lost a pawn, the visitor stole a covert look at him. His was a face with intelligent eyes, lined with years of austerity and wonderfully serene. Even the prospect of death, it seemed, was not affecting him.

Gyosei made another faulty move. He was losing! The visitor however, was overcome with reflections of his past life, worthless and devoid of meaning. He thought: “I cannot let this man die. If I die, the world loses nothing. I have wasted my time, achieved nothing. This monk has led a hardworking, disciplined life. His death will be a loss to the world.” A wave of compassion arose within him. Deliberately, he made a wrong move, leaving his position open to attack.

Suddenly, the Master leaned forward and toppled the board over. The contestants stared at him. “There is neither winner nor loser here,” declared the Master. He turned to the young man: “You only need two things to attain enlightenment – complete focus and compassion. Today, you have learned both. At first, you were entirely absorbed in the game. Out of that concentration arose compassion. It made you ready to sacrifice your life. Stay with us for some weeks, engage in our practices in the same spirit – your enlightenment is assured.” The young man agreed and eventually attained his wish.

Lose yourself entirely in whatever you do. Compassion will naturally follow – it is concentration’s faithful companion and cannot be practiced. This is the way to enlightenment.