Is Religion an insult to human dignity!

 Is Religion an insult to human dignity!

A famous saying by the Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg has long been a favourite of mine:

“Religion is an insult to human dignity. Without it, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.”

Such aphorisms are compelling. They are easy to recite and create an illusion of being profoundly thought-provoking. However, upon closer examination, they often reveal a simplification of reality. We tend to craft our rules and maxims for extremes—the upper class or the lower class, the saint or the sinner—while ignoring the vast, complex middle ground where most of humanity resides.

Consciousness, Fate, and the Architecture of Freedom

 Determinism or Free Will

Consciousness, Fate, and the Architecture of Freedom

1. The Question of Origins: Consciousness or Matter?

One of the oldest philosophical questions remains unresolved:

Did consciousness arise from matter, or did matter arise within consciousness?

Materialist thought generally regards consciousness as an emergent property of matter. According to this view, physical processes governed by fundamental laws gradually produced increasingly complex structures, eventually giving rise to biological organisms and, with them, subjective awareness.

This position is scientifically plausible as a description of how increasingly complex biological systems develop. Yet it leaves a deeper philosophical question unanswered: how does subjective experience arise from something that, by itself, is described entirely in objective terms?

Vedic Astrology: A Review

  

Vedic Astrology: A Critical and Philosophical Review

Toward a Critical Reconstruction of Jyotisha

✍️ Raghvendra Khare

Abstract

Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) occupies a paradoxical position in contemporary intellectual discourse. It is simultaneously one of the oldest systematic cosmological sciences and one of the most contested knowledge systems in modern times. This paper examines the philosophical foundations, cosmological assumptions, methodological challenges, and epistemological crises confronting Vedic astrology today. Beginning with the principle of cosmic interconnectedness, the paper situates astrology within both Vedic metaphysics and modern scientific developments. It then critically evaluates structural weaknesses in contemporary practice, including computational inconsistencies, lack of standardized predictive frameworks, confirmation bias, resistance to criticism, and over-reliance on religious dogma. Through analytical engagement with classical doctrines—including the concept of Adhama Yoga as described in Brihat Jatakam and Jataka Parijata—the study argues for methodological reform and philosophical reorientation. The paper concludes by proposing a disciplined, research-based reconstruction of Vedic astrology that preserves its metaphysical depth while aligning it with rigorous intellectual inquiry.

 !!What makes me trust astrology!!

From Skepticism to Conviction: What Makes Me Trust Astrology

I did not believe in astrology until the 28th year of my life. My skepticism stemmed from a simple question: How can we divide the world's billions of people into only 12 zodiac signs or 27 Nakshatras? I had seen many people with the same sign or Nakshatra leading vastly different lives. At the time, I was unaware of the finer, more precise divisions of the zodiac that make each horoscope unique.

My journey from doubt to belief wasn't sudden; it grew from a series of verifiable experiences I couldn't logically dismiss.

The Wall of India

!!The Wall Of India!!

It is about 12 km long. Some experts assume its length is up to a fort situated about 80 km away by road distance. At a certain length, its height is about 11 ft, and its width is about 7 ft at the top. Some archaeological experts decided its construction time was about 1100 years ago. The purpose of the wall is a mystery to all. But it seems it was built for military purposes. I think this is an incomplete, ambitious work of a king, as at a certain length it is well built, finished, organized with staircases to climb up and drainage to flow rainy water, but at a certain length simply hoards the stones. It started in my village. You can see it from the origin point on ‘Google Earth’ at 23°08´31.56´´N and 78°42´57.04´´E to the southwest direction only up to some length as obstructed by dense forest. We can assume its length is 80 km or more up to said fort, as the same type of wall is situated at two more places at a certain interval between my village and said fort.

My village name is Gorakhpur, which is situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.  Bhopal is about 180 km from here in the west and about 135 km away from Jabalpur in the east. The nearest railway station is Gadarwara, about 50 km away by road distance in the south.

: http://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/a-mystery-in-middle-india-an-ancient-80-km-wall-no-one-knew-about/story-V5nn9bUMIhTUbfH5cbtiGO.html

: http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/art-and-culture/can-you-crack-the-mystery-of-the-great-wall-of-india/photo-9tou7bt5xaosI7KdqopHIK.html

Timing of your Employment

!!Timing of your Employment!!
(Reproduced from EST October 2016)

There are four principal aims (Purusharthas) in Vedic philosophy: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation). Among these, Artha—the pursuit of wealth—is essential for meeting basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. In modern life, employment or self-employment is the most common means to acquire Artha. Work and income are therefore tightly interwoven.

Within this framework, let us explore the astrological indicators for obtaining a job or starting a business.

Some notes on Pada and Upapada

!!Some notes on Pada and Upapada!!
Reproduced from Modern Astrology, October 2015

1-    Upapada

                                                                                              1-4-1 Jaimini sutras

The Sanskrit/Hindi term ‘Upa’ is comparable to the English prefix ‘vice’. Thus, the terms ‘Pada’ and ‘Upapada’ can be understood similarly to ‘president’ and ‘vice president’; we might even say ‘Pada’ and ‘vice Pada’ in English. Suppose the ascendant is considered the 'president,' with its Pada being the main Pada. In that case, we must identify which house, next to the ascendant, can govern the horoscope if the ascendant is weak or compromised. ‘Anuchar’ means a follower, the one who is next and can assume power in the absence of the principal. Upapada is also known as ‘Gouna Pada’; ‘Gouna’ is a Sanskrit/Hindi word signifying secondary status.

!!Viyoni Janma!!

!!Viyoni Janma!!
(Modern Astrology March 2016)

Viyoni Janma: An Astrological Inquiry into Non-Human Births

The great Indian astrologer Varaha Mihira, in his classical work Brihat Jataka, suggested certain planetary positions that indicate the birth of a Viyoni, or a non-human being. The key combinations he presented are as follows:

Verse 1: "When benefics are powerless and malefics are powerful, and when impotent planets (eunuch planets: Saturn and Mercury) are in quadrants (Kendra houses), the birth must be foretold of objects that have a resemblance to the nature of the Dwadasamsa (D-12) occupied by the Moon at the time. Or, when under similar conjunctions the birth sign (ascendant) is aspected by impotent planets, the birth of Viyonis must be predicted."

 

 

Independence date of Pakistan

Independence date of Pakistan

This is a disputed matter. There are three views-

For Pakistan, three different times are considered. There are some imaginary charts as well (published in some annual panchangas), but the following three have historical support.

A) 14 August 1947, Time: 12:00 am midnight,     Place: Karachi, Timezone: 05:30 (IST)

B) 14 August 1947, Time: 09:20 am morning,      Place: Karachi, Timezone: 05:30 (IST)

C) 15 August 1947, Time: 12:00 am midnight,     Place: Karachi, Timezone: 05:30 (IST)

A-  Let us see what Wikipedia said-

Snake biting an astrological analysis

Snake Bites: An Astrological Investigation

Reproduced from Modern Astrology August 2014.

Unfortunately, snakebites are not a rare phenomenon in my rural village area. However, obtaining the birth details of the individuals concerned is often challenging. I have collected some charts of snakebite victims and wish to discuss them astrologically, drawing upon combinations found in various classical astrological texts.

Preferential methodology of divisional charts

Preferential methodology of divisional charts

!!Shree!!

The Preferential Methodology of Divisional Charts

In Vedic astrology, the intricate tapestry of a birth chart is further refined by numerous

divisions (Vargas) of ascendants and planets. These divisions serve to pinpoint predictions with greater precision, differentiating individual nativities even when celestial bodies linger in a sign for extended periods, or when the ascendant holds sway for approximately two hours, encompassing multiple births. Through the subtle nuances of these divisional charts, each unique life can be distinguished.

!Navamsa- Some aspect!

!!Shree!!

!Navamsa- Some aspect!

There are 16 Vargas (subdivisions) of ascendants and planets in Vedic astrology, to pinpoint any prediction and make a difference between nativities. Planets stay at a sign for a long time, and even ascendant rises for about two hours. Several births took place during this duration. We can differentiate every birth by using the Varga chart. The Navamsa is their most important sub-division. Some astrologers emphasize that ‘Navamsa’ is more valuable than Rasi itself. I also agree with their view. It had been my greatest problem for a long time: how to use it! How do you use it with the Rasi chart? Various classical texts of astrology have several hints about its uses. 

!! Gulika/ Mandi and Rahu`s Astamsa!!

!! Gulika/ Mandi and Rahu`s Astamsa!!

Gulika / Mandi and Rahu’s Astamsa

There has been considerable debate among astrologers regarding the identities of Gulika and Mandi. Some consider these two names to represent the same sub-planet of Saturn, while others insist they are distinct entities. There is also disagreement concerning the correct method of calculation. Sage Parashara emphasizes the beginning of Saturn’s Astamsa, whereas Kalidasa supports the ending.

Curly Hair: An astrological approach

!!Curly Hair: An astrological approach!!

Predictive astrology is built upon symbolism. The signs and planets are not merely points in space—they are archetypes, carriers of myth, and shapers of form. Among the many attributes they govern, hair plays an important yet often overlooked role in shaping the human appearance. In particular, curly hair, a striking and sometimes enigmatic trait, may have identifiable astrological markers.

What makes a marriage match possible or perfect

A successful marriage match is possible only by the grace of God. Man cannot arrange it. A strong destiny cannot be averted, even a great astrologer`s endeavor failed to stop the widowhood of his lovely daughter, Leela Vati. The purpose of astrology is to understand the laws of the cosmos and then men`s dwarves before God and surrender to him. Whatever branch of knowledge is discovered or developed in ancient India has the purpose of knowing God or renunciation. But man seldom uses it for writing purposes. We make secondary use of any knowledge to get a physical benefit. So let us try to make a marriage match perfect.

A Distinct Horoscope

Defining Parameters for a Distinctive and Yogakarak Horoscope

Astrology offers various rules to determine the inherent strength of a horoscope and distinguish its potential from others. Numerous planetary combinations, known as Raja Yogas, are traditionally sought after to indicate power and success. However, I have observed many individuals with textbook Yogakaraka combinations leading relatively normal lives. Conversely, some horoscopes, even with seemingly ordinary planetary positions, exhibit remarkable strength and lead to distinguished lives. Through my studies, I have collected certain clues or parameters that, when present, render a horoscope distinct and effectively Yogakaraka. If some of these rules are found in any horoscope, it gains a special quality.

Astrological cause of mutual sexual deviation

An Astrological Analysis of Illicit Sexual Relationships

The modern generation sometimes finds itself straying from traditional values, influenced by differing cultural norms or, at times, persuaded by manipulative or unscrupulous individuals who may even be trusted figures within one's family or social circle. Teenagers, in particular, are often not fully aware of the emotional and spiritual significance of chastity and may find themselves in compromising situations through seemingly trivial friendships or betrayal by cunning peers or relatives. Such experiences involving illicit acts can lead to long-lasting repentance and emotional turmoil. The individuals who take advantage of such innocence often operate with a low moral compass, leaving behind a painful memory.

GSLV-F06 failure of it astrologically.

Astrological cause of the failure of GSLV-F06.

The space mission of India's satellite launch vehicle F06 got a miserable, tragic end after turning fire after some minutes after its launch. This was a very important space mission. It is a great setback to India`s scientific effort.

It was launched on the 25^th of December at 16/04 hours from Sri Harikota. Let us see if it's launching astrologically.