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Yogananda's Teaching on the Power of Will 
July 12, 2008 |
| Vedic
Astrology Diary Archives |
By Vaughn
Paul Manley, M.A.
Paramahansa Yogananda's classic book, The Autobiography
of a Yogi, has a chapter entitled, "Outwitting
the Stars," that is a must read for any student of
astrology in my opinion. In it he describes his own beliefs
about astrology, and the attitude he recommends that spiritual
aspirants should adopt towards it. Specifically, that we should
never see planetary forces as more powerful than our own will
power. For instance, see this quote:
“Occasionally I told astrologers to select my worse
periods, according to planetary indications, and I would still
accomplish whatever task I set myself. It is true that my success
at such time has been accompanied by extraordinary difficulties.
But my conviction has always been justified; faith in the divine
protection, and the right use of man’s God-given will,
are forces formidable beyond any the 'inverted bowl' (sky) can
muster. The starry inscription at one's birth, I came to understand,
is not that man is a puppet of his past. Its message is rather
a prod to pride; the very heavens seek to arouse man's determination
to be free of every limitaton.”
Yogananda offers here quite a bold shift in perspective. Most
of the time people see the planetary influences, especially
the dashas and transits, as forces beyond their power of will
to effect. However, Yogananda's point is to recognize that our
will power is God given for a reason - to change potentially
unfavorable outcomes in our lives into favorable ones.
Copyright 2008. Vaughn Paul
Manley. All Rights Reserved. |
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