Ightof The Edas L V: Remembering Aman R
Ightof The Edas L V: Remembering Aman R
Ightof The Edas L V: Remembering Aman R
Remembering aman R
Opening Note
VOLUME 8. ISSUE 4
In this special edition of the Newslettter, we are happy to announce our beautiful new website and newsletter design, Dr. Frawley's (Vamadeva's) monumental new book Soma in Yoga and Ayurveda: the Power of Rejuvenation and Immortality, and Yogini Shambhavi's wonderful new Jyotir Bhava CD of Vedic astrological chants. We have a special feature article in honor of Dr. B.V. Raman's One Hundredth Birth Anniversary, with Vamadeva reflecting on his long association with Dr. Raman, highlighting Dr. Raman's crucial work reviving Vedic astrology for the modern era. Baba Prem completes the issue with an article of new insights on Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras. Sharing the Light of the Vedas!
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Dr. B. V. Raman
A Hundred Years Birth Remembrance (1912-2012)
Dr. B.V. Raman (August 8, 1912 December 20, 1998) was probably the most important Vedic astrologer of the twentieth century in India and for the entire world. He was one of the most prolific through his numerous books and articles on every aspect of this vast and arcane subject. His monthly extensive Astrological Magazine became the premier authoritative publication in the field that was widely followed by a global audience.
Dr. Raman's influence continues into the twentyfirst century through his many students throughout the world. Probably more than any other single person, Dr. Raman worked tirelessly to restore Vedic astrology to its place of honor in India and its place of respect among enlightened thinkers in the world. Dr. Raman upheld both the science and spirituality of Vedic astrology, both its logic and its intuition. He brought Vedic astrology into an understandable English language expression, making this arcane Vedic teaching accessible both to those born in the West and to the modern educated in India. He worked hard both to remove old superstitions from Vedic astrology, and also to counter modern prejudices against it, particularly from scientific circles. Though he had to endure many obstacles and a fair amount of opposition, his work was crowned with success and by the time of his passing in 1998, Vedic astrology was revitalized in India and had found a place for itself in the western world as well. Today in 2012 at the hundredth anniversary of his birth, a new era in Vedic astrology has dawned upon the world through his influence. I first discovered Dr. B.V. Raman from his many books in 1970. As a young student of Yoga and
Vedanta, who was also interested in astrology, I was curious as to the nature of Indian system and how it worked. Dr. Raman's were the only books available in the West at that time and I studied several of them in detail starting with his Manual of Hindu Astrology, which provided the knowledge that I was looking for. His books formed my introduction to Vedic astrology and provided the basis of all my later studies, just as they did for many other students. I continued my astrological studies over the
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succeeding years, gradually learning how to calculate and interpret Vedic charts in the precomputer era. I gradually added Vedic astrology to my astrological readings, until my readings became entirely Vedic in the late nineteen seventies.
Raman was the head and sought his blessings and guidance, which he freely gave. Dr. Raman continued as a great source of guidance and encouragement. We also looked to Chakrapani Ullal, a great astrologer in his own right, probably the greatest Vedic astrology residing in the West, as our main guiding force in the United States. Chakrapani was close to Dr. Raman and was in regular contact with him as well. Dr. Raman served as an honorary patron founder and guiding light to the American Council of Vedic Astrology.
I eventually began to visit India and sought to broaden my studies in the Vedic and yogic fields. In India, however, I mainly visited the Pune and Maharashtra region during my earlier visits and contacted more astrologers from there, and did not visit Dr. Raman directly, though Dr. Raman was known to all. I developed a correspondence course in I became the first president of the Council from 1993Vedic astrology in 1985 and included Dr. Raman's 2003, throughout the books as a reference. My first period when Dr. Raman book on Vedic astrology, Dr. Raman's influence was still alive , with Dennis Astrology of the Seers, was published in 1990 and also continues into the twenty- Harness as the executive vice-president, and drew from his work and first century through his Chakrapani Ullal as our inspiration. He was an icon to many students throughout honorary chairperson. In me that I never really considered that I would be the world. Probably more 2 0 0 3 , t h e A m e r i c a n College of Vedic Astrology able to meet. than any other single was formed, which person, Dr. Raman worked assumed the title ACVA I first met Dr. Raman in 1992. Dennis Harness, Stephen tirelessly to restore Vedic that was originally used for the council, with the Quong and myself had astrology to its place of council taking on a more organized what was probably international orientation the first major conference on honor in India and its under the name of the Vedic astrology in the West place of respect among Council of Vedic Astrology that had over two hundred enlightened thinkers in the (CVA). and fifty people attend. We had invited Dr. Raman as the world. The Council continued its keynote speaker for the event. association with Dr. Raman He graciously flew out from and ICAS. I visited Dr. Raman regularly in India until India and opened the conference with an inspiring his passing in 1998, which occurred shortly before I and informative talk. We had many notable came to India on a trip that was also to include a visit discussions with Dr. Raman during that visit and he to see him. I was very much looking forward to seeing encouraged us to expand our work in Vedic astrology him again, but it was not to be. in the West.. A couple of months after the conference, I visited Dr. Raman at his office in Bangalore and had During my regular visits with him in India, Dr. many personal discussions with him there as well. Raman would always inquire as to how the council He wanted Vedic astrology to have a real foundation was doing and how its various board members, who in the West and was happy to have a young group of he remembered by name, were faring at both western Vedic astrologers to work with. personal and professional levels. He always showed great interest in what was happened with Vedic After a second conference on Vedic Astrology in 1993 astrology in America. He made us all feel like part of that we organized as a follow up to the 1992 one great family. His wife Rajeshwari was similarly conference, a group of Vedic astrologers in the West, extremely cordial and took great interest in what we of which I was one of seven, started the 'American were doing. Dr. Raman eventually organized a series Council of Vedic Astrology', which became the largest of titles for us in honor of our work with Vedic Vedic astrology organization outside of India, with at astrology in the West, starting with Jyotish Kovid or a time over six hundred members. We began the proficiency in Vedic astrology in 1994. organization based upon an alliance with ICAS (the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences) of which Dr.
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Dr. Raman also gave me a personal initiation into a special astrological mantra to guide my studies and make my consultations more effective, one that he said came through his grandfather B. Suryanarayan Rao. I also wrote a number of articles for his magazine, the Astrological Magazine, which he encouraged me to do.
The American Council of Vedic Astrology maintained its connection with ICAS throughout Dr. Raman's life and beyond. The Council of hosted a number of speakers from ICAS in India including Dr. Raman was beyond any personal seeking for Gayatri Devi Vasudev and Niranjan Bapu, the fame, wealth or power, but daughter and son of Dr. spoke for the good of all. He Raman, who are great used astrology carefully, astrologers in their own The American Council of gently and with discretion, right. Vedic Astrology not trying to control or Dr. Raman organized maintained its connection intimidate people as some astrologers tend to do. He several talks for me during with ICAS throughout Dr. spoke from a place of my visits to Bangalore, Raman's life and beyond. spiritual guidance, not where I was involved with simply one of astrological various Yoga, Ayurveda and The Council of hosted a techniques, though he knew Hindu organizations, some number of speakers from these quite well also. He talks on astrology, some on didn't simply give other Vedic subjects. Given ICAS in India including my involvement with many Gayatri Devi Vasudev and predictions, he provided accurate guidance and Vedic subjects, I once asked Niranjan Bapu, the sound advice. His yearly Dr. Raman whether I mundane predictions about should put Vedic astrology daughter and son of Dr. the state of the world for the on the side and focus on Raman, who are great coming year were regularly other aspects of Vedic astrologers in their own both profound and accurate, knowledge instead. He told and eagerly looked for by all. me never to give up Vedic right. astrology, which he said Since Dr. Raman's passing I would help me in all my have continued to study his Vedic studies as the eye of books and teachings, and look back upon my the Veda. He asked me to continue to help guide interaction with him. I still repeat his mantras. The the Vedic astrology movement in the West and try world of Vedic astrology is in need of another Dr. to bring a greater Vedic vision into it, which he felt Raman today to provide it the guidance, calm and was very important to maintain. clarity that he was able to do, not simply promoting the knowledge but embodying it as a person. One year, Dr. Raman applied his special Dhruva Nadi to my birth chart, which divided the zodiac Let us fervently hope that Dr. Raman's spirit can into 1500 portions as a basis for its indications and inspire a new generation of Vedic astrologers to further calculations. It provided me with many continue and expand the work that he has provided important indications for my life's work., which such a good foundation to build on. The worldwide proved to be a great revelation in many ways. interest in Vedic astrology continues to grow and can only expand much more greatly in the years to come. Through my interaction with him, I learned that Much of it is his legacy for future generations. Dr. Raman was not simply an astrologer but was also a philosopher, spiritual leader and statesman. He did not simply give personal predictions but looked to the wisdom of astrology to guide both the
individual person and humanity as whole. Many great spiritual and social leaders of modern India came to him for his guidance. Yet he did not allow himself to be influenced by their position or seek any favors from them. Sometimes he even criticized them, when he felt they departed from Dharma, and they had to humbly listen. Such was the power of his personality. He said that between 1995-2006 India would be in a transitional phase and would develop better after 2006, which has certainly proved true relative to the economy of the country.
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Jyotir Bhava
Sacred Shakti Mantras for the Nine Planets
Format: VCD with 22 page picture booklet. ISBN: 978-0-9409-8502-5. Price: $16.95
yotir Bhava, the Bhava or 'Mood of the Divine Light', draws one into the celestial radiance of the planets. Jyotish or Vedic Astrology is a sacred science of karma, unraveling all aspects of one's life, destiny and deeper aspirations. Jyotish is said to be 'The Eye of the Vedas', providing us a mystic insight into the play of the cosmic universe.
This wonderful CD contains extensive astrological mantras, including the Vedic Names of Planets, Tantric Names of the Planets, Planetary Gayatris, Puranic verses to the Planets, and more, as well as special Vedic astrology mantras to Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Kali and the Sun. Yogini Shambhavi is noted for her classical Indian voice and ability to draw the cosmic powers to us through her powerful invocations. The CD is unique in style, format, and expression of devotion. It constitutes a complete Sadhana for promoting positive planetary influences and removing those that are negative.
Order from Lotus Press Order from Internatural
VOLUME 8. ISSUE 4
Probably the most influential yogic teaching that the western world has been exposed to would be the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, most yoga teachers and many students of yoga have at least been introduced to this work. While many can quote from this book, w h i c h i s a n accomplishment, it is seldom that anyone explores beyond basic commentaries on the yoga sutras, and fewer recognize its roots within the Vedic tradition.
energy) of the body, which total 350,000. The seven continents are a reference to the primary chakas. He is believed to have written the text Mahabhasya which is a commentary on Panini laws of Sanskrit grammar, which would clearly indicate that Patanjali was Vedic Grammarian. In India, there is a growing opinion that he also wrote under the name Charaka, and was responsible for
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the Charaka Samhita the major Ayurvedic text. As Ayurveda is an upaveda this provides a powerful link between Patanjali and the Vedic system as well. He was considered by some to be an incarnation of Ananta. Ananta was the thousand headed ruler of the serpent race. This statement alone could have numerous implications from being a reference to the kundalini, to such groups as the Naga cult. This is also considered a powerful connection with Krishna and Vishnu.
taught in a secret lineage whose teachings remained quite secret until the need to record was evident due to concerns over information becoming lost. This theory would fit with the other traditional models observed within India. It is most interesting that a well-known type of Hatha yoga uses the invocation of Patanjali to this day; though few seem to truly realize that they are invoking an ancient lineage that was quite comfortable with the Vedic tradition.
The dates of his life are not truly known, but it is suspected that he lived circa 200 BCE. The Yoga It is difficult to believe that Patanjali did not Sutras are believed to have participate in common been recorded around 100Vedic traditions at least 200 CE. It is quite possible to some degree, as this that Patanjali's compilation He is believed to have written was sown into the fabric was created at an earlier date of culture. While many the text Mahabhasya which is and later recorded between modern writers purpose a commentary on Panini laws 100-200 CE as humanity that Patanjali's of Sanskrit grammar, which continued moving away compilation of the Yoga from the previous world age, would clearly indicate that Sutras marked a just as the Vedas were difference between Vedic Patanjali was Vedic preserved in an oral Yoga and what we Grammarian. In India, there tradition, moving to a more currently know as yoga. exclusive written form is a growing opinion that he It does not make sense during these periods as well. also wrote under the name that yoga and the sutras Clearly the evidence would be separated from Charaka, and was responsible supports the Vedic teachings the local tradition and for the Charaka Samhita the as being much older than Vedic teachings of the during the period that they major Ayurvedic text. time. Within some were compiled in their traditions, it was believed present form. Likewise it is that Patanjali was quite possible that the same strongly connected with event was true for Patanjali Shaivism, possibly even a also. What is most interesting is the length Shaivite master. between commentaries and appearance of later commentaries regarding the Yoga Sutras. What is most interesting, and clearly demonstrates Looking back to still relatively old texts from the medieval period, what is most profound is the appearance of an invocation to Patanjali. The invocation to Patanjali appears almost 800-900 years later than the previous dates given for Patanjali and are found in commentaries recorded by a king known as Bhoja. This is commonly referred to as the Vritti Bhoja, or Vritti by Bhoja commonly interpreted to mean 'Bhojas thoughts'. What is most interesting is that the invocation does imply a lineage. It is traditional to invoke the founder or current master of a particular lineage. It seems quite possible that Patanjali could have a Vedic connection is a variety of terms that appears within the yoga sutras and Vedic tradition; this would include words such as Brahmacharya. Brahmacharya appears within the first limb of the sutras. It is commonly taught as celibacy. While there can be little argument as to this meaning, is there more to the word than just celibacy? Brahmacharya comes from two roots: Brahma and Charya. Brahma is a reference to the Vedic Brahman, and Charya means conduct. Brahmacharya would literally mean conduct of Brahman. The verbal roots for charya is 'car' meaning to move and the root for brahman being
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are considered Vedic texts as well. Written by 'brh' meaning to make strong (while celibacy Dattaatreya, he was considered an incarnation of would fulfill this, it also seems that other Vishnu, by some systems, yet a few systems interpretations would apply as well.) The concept consider him the teacher of Patanjali. He is of car as in carrying one somewhere and making considered the son of Atri, an important Vedic one strong could also refer to Vedic activities such Rishi. as the Vedic ritual albeit internal or external rituals. It would appear that Patanjali was There are other terms Patanjali used that are referencing more than just celibacy, as the rooted in Vedic/Vedantic teachings such as: meaning of the word is also the mind moving Purusha, toward oneness with Brahman. Brahmacharya Prakriti, also mean conduct of a student while studying the gunas, Brahma Vidya, Vedic knowledge or knowledge of tapas, Brahman. What is Brahma Vidya but the mind japa and many others. moving toward oneness with the source of all, Brahman. It seems strange that Patanjali would select such a word as this unless he Often the Yoga Sutras are practiced a link between yoga and the Vedic system. criticized for not having
It is possible that it is Brahma (devotion) within them. Often the Yoga Sutras are Vidya in which the other limbs criticized for not having the are tools for obtaining, or the It is believed that the teaching of Bhakti (devotion) entire yoga sutras should sutras are somehow not within them. It is believed involve and cultivate Brahma rooted within the Vedic that the sutras are somehow Vidya. Just as some scholars system based due to this not rooted within the Vedic feel the entire book is written to system based due to this lack address the second sutra, the lack of Bhakti. This is of Bhakti. This is often due to entire book addresses the older often due to a lack of a lack of understanding on the teachings of Brahma Vidya. If understanding on the part part of the practitioner or the code of conduct for study of of the practitioner or reader. Usually this is due to Brahma vidya is present, it only the practitioner not being seems logical that the study of reader. exposed to the older Brahma Vidya would be a part commentaries pertaining to of it also. Just as the 8th limb of the Yoga Sutras such as the the 'yoga sutras' is Samadhi, Vritti Bhoja or the commentaries by Vyasas. But this would certainly be an important aspect of even on a mundane level, a quick examination will Brahma Vidya. It seems that in its higher form the reveal the existence and firm establishment of yoga sutras should prepare, involve, and evolve Bhakti within the Yoga Sutras into the study of Brahma Vidya. Especially since Patanjali only recorded information and was not Within the Niymas, the 5th practice is Ishvara the source of the information he referenced, and pranidhanam or surrender to God. While terms used Vedic terms, it seems difficult to omit this such as Purusha are often used, this is to not be from teachings of the yoga sutras, though this has construed as different from God in a non-dualistic clearly been done. But are there any other system or even a qualified non-dualistic system. teachings to support the more expansive view of This is evident again with such important teachers Brahmacharya? Yes! of ashtanga (8 limbed system) as Yamunacaarya and Nathamuni who were clearly practitioners of Within the Darshana Upanishad is an explanation Bhakti. Other examples of the practice of Bhakti of Brahmacharya meaning the mind's movement within the Yoga Sutras would be: toward Brahman. The Darshan Upanishad is patterned in a similar style to the Yoga Sutras, it Or concentrating on the supreme blissful light. does have connections with Vedanta or yoga I.36. teachings based in Vedanta, and the Upanishads
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tapas, Purusha, Ishvara, among others, clearly point to the Vedic roots of his compilation. It is my opinion that the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali were not to be separate from the Vedic teachings, but rather were an important preparatory step from the yogic tradition for deeper study. In the modern era, the eight limbs prepare the mind and body for the more esoteric stages of spiritual awareness presented in Vedanta and the Vedas themselves. It is a natural course for many students to eventually evolve into the study of the Vedic system. This would most likely begin with the study of the Yet with all these references to Ishvara, it is not Bhagavad Gita as it is a perfect and powerful difficult to find the teaching of Bhakti; which has introduction to the Vedic teachings, offering all but disappeared within the teachings of the practical and esoteric Yoga Sutras in the west. information about the Conclusion. It is possible that Patanjali nature of existence and spiritual realization. The key seems to rest in the recognized that the ancient Whereas Patanjali was realization that the Yoga teachings were becoming lost the compiler of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have again and his attempt to compile sutras, Krishna in The never been intended to exist them was based on Krishna's Bhagavad Gita states without a commentary. The role of the commentary teaching in the Gita. Ironically, it that he was the giver of is to introduce the student is possible that his compilation has yoga. to higher awareness and only furthered the loss of Imam vivasvate yogam inferred knowledge that is information unless students accept p r o k t a v a n a h a m intended to accompany them. The skill of the the challenge and begin exploring avyayam Vivasvan manave pratha commentator expands or his sutras more deeply, and allow manur iksvakave bravu limits ones understanding it to inspire them to seeking out E v a m of the Yoga Sutras tremendously. It must be higher levels of knowledge, which p a r a m p a r a p r a p t a m imam rajarsayo viduh remembered that a sutra is may have been its purpose Sa kaleneha mahata yogo the bare essential anyway. nashtah paramtapa -information for ease of Bhagavad Gita 4.1-2 memorization. But contains a rich body of Here Krishna states that he gave yoga to the sun information behind it in order to complete the god and that it was passed to Manu, and to the teachings itself. I have tried to illustrate this with Ishvaku, coming to the rajarishis and that it was just a few examples such as Bhakti and lost over time. Brahmachaarya. This same process is clearly illustrated with the Shiva Sutras; where a great It is possible that Patanjali recognized that the deal of information is inferred to accompany each ancient teachings were becoming lost again and his sutra. Clearly this would have been the case in the attempt to compile them was based on Krishna's time of Patanjali also. Additional commentaries teaching in the Gita. Ironically, it is possible that do exist but most western students are never his compilation has only furthered the loss of exposed to even the slightest concept of these information unless students accept the challenge additional commentaries. and begin exploring his sutras more deeply, and allow it to inspire them to seeking out higher levels Patanjali was the complier of the yoga sutras and of knowledge, which may have been its purpose steeped with the tradition of Hinduism and anyway. Sanatana Dharma, which clearly indicates that he was drawing on older more established teachings. Additionally, terms such as Brahmacharya, japa, Or devotion dedicated to the Supreme God (Ishvara). I. 23. Ishvara is the Purusha I. 24. Within him is the seed of omniscience and its complete manifestation. I. 25. Unconditioned by time, He is the teacher of the ancients. I.26 (referring the Ishvara.) Samadhi is attained by surrender to God. II. 45. Spiritual Study brings communion with the personal deity. II.44.
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Title: Soma in Yoga and Ayurveda: The Power of Rejuvenation and Immortality Author: Dr. David Frawley ISBN: 978-0-9406-7621-3 Price: $19.95 Pages: 392 pp (pb)
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar BAMS, MD Yogini Shambhavi, author Yogic Secrets of the Dark Goddess (Ayu), Director, Ayurvedic Healing
* Uniting ancient wisdom and penetrating insight, David Frawley has written a jewel that explores the inner alchemy of physical and emotional rejuvenation while illuminating the spiritual quest for enlightenment. The book provides the student with the yogic and Ayurvedic tools necessary to achieve optimal health, peace of mind, and the eternal happiness that can only be found through spiritual awakening.
Dr. Marc Halpern, author, Healing Your Life; Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda
This multifaceted book combines Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra, Vedanta, and the Vedic sciences in a natural and transformative manner around the central concept of Soma or the science of immortal bliss. Such a vast capacity of synthesis in a profound and authoritative way of approaching the higher knowledge is most rare and shows a special connection with the higher forces of cosmic intelligence that govern the planet. Soma is another classic from the master translator of Vedic knowledge and wisdom of our time and culture. Vamadeva once again takes a profound subject, previously obscured by barriers of esoteric language and concepts, and offers it in a way that preserves, respects and elucidates its mysteries while rendering them accessible and practical to all.
*
Once again, David Frawley has produced a book of unparalleled depth and insight. Soma in Yoga and Ayurveda synthesizes profound teachings and practices from Yoga, Tantra, Ayurveda, and Jyotish for rejuvenating the body, elevating emotions, awakening the intellect, and realizing the true meaning of immortality. Vamadeva is one of the few authentic voices sharing this transformational knowledge, making it available and accessible to the modern reader. I am continually grateful for his work.
Gary Kraftsow, American Viniyoga Vedic rishis and the Tantric Yogis, the Institute, author Yoga for Wellness inner Shakti of rejuvenation, immortality and bliss, which is the supreme creative and Yoga for Transformation
force. Vamadeva has revealed the hidden Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, Sri Soma in Yoga & Ayurveda cracks the secret secrets of Soma and special powerful Yoga Aurobindo Society India code of Soma and de-mystifies the myth practices, rarely taught even in India, and logic about its practical application. particularly how Soma is necessary to
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