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November *Light On Vedic Astrology* Newsletter |
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In This Issue:
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November 1, 2004
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Reflections on Teaching Jyotish in Japan
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November Printable Ephemeris
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Keeping the Panchanga Tradition Alive
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Why Bush Won the Elections
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Namaste Friends,
As you might have guessed from this newsletter my first love has always been India, but now after spending three weeks in Japan, their culture comes a close second. There's so much to admire. For instance, Tokyo's the largest city in the world yet they have one of the lowest crime rates and the highest literacy rate (99.9%). Even with so many people in a densely populated region trains run on time, stations are clean, people are harmonious and respectul.
In fact, this quality of respect is what impressed me the most. One of my favorite quotes from Sri Ramakrishna is, "Respect is liberation, respect is heaven." If this is so, then Japan is a very enlightened culture. Even retail clerks in convenience stores are respectful and bow. People seem to delight in being considerate of others.
It's interesting to me that during World War II Japan was devastated, Tokyo was flattened by fire bombs, their country was poor. In about 50 years they've become one of the wealthiest countries and a world superpower. This gives an idea of how hard working, efficient, intelligent and success minded Japanes people are. What amazes me is that even with such ambition they basically don't lose of site of traditional aesthetic values. Efficiency and beauty go hand in hand.
When we were in Kamakura, the city with over 70 temples and shrines, I was amazed that many temples served a special frothy green tea, called temple tea. Traditionally the monks would drink this to help them stay awake in meditiation. The tea, the gardens, ringing of bells all support an experience of meditation.
Even though there was a typhoon on the first day of the seminar! (no kidding) and I had a demanding teaching schedule (22 hours of instruction in 4 days) everything went very well. Many thanks to Mr. Shimizu-san for an incredible job organizing the event. Here's some feedback from students:
The way you taught us was superb! Please come and teach us again. --- Takeshi M.
It was a fantastic seminar! You inspired me a lot, especialy regarding how to read charts profoundly. I felt that my reading ability was enhanced. Please come again! --- Shu S.
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Here's a short article I wrote for the Maui Vision Magazine for their Dec/Jan issue focusing on the topic of "Light." This is titled "Lessons in Light":
Four more years of Bush and more of the same: record deficits, senseless wars, a plundered environment. The list of reasonable complaints is long, at least in my mind. Ugh. I bury my head in disbelief, which quickly settles into despair. Eventually as I open my eyes and muster enough hope to pour some tea, I see an unforgettable sight: both of our cats bathing in warm beams of sunlight, with blissful looks on their faces. I think, "Now that's the most intelligent recent development I've seen around here!" It was a great reminder to return to the present moment and bask in the light no matter how dark a situation appears. My favorite quote from Mahatma Gandhi came to mind, "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall - think of it, always."
In Vedic astrology, the astrology of India, all the planets are considered deities even the so-called "malefic" planets, like Saturn. Their ultimate role is to teach us wisdom even though it can appear that they're just causing problems. "All things work together for the good, there are no exceptions except in the ego's judgment" writes the Course in Miracles. Even Bush's re-election? I'd go ask our cats but they seem more interested in just lying in the sunlight.
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