Chakrapani Ullal learned astrology from his father and grandfather. Early in life he came into contact with Swami Nityananada, and later that master’s revered disciple, Swami Muktananda. It was Muktananda who insisted Chakrapani pursue his family profession, even though he had obtained degrees both in business and law. Here he shares with us his insight into spiritual life.

Astrology offers to the truth seeker who endeavors to maximize the opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual discipline a knowledge so profound in its nature that it can be a companion to any journey, as deep and as subtle as the aspirant is prepared to take.

By looking at the horoscope and how the planets demonstrate dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation), one gains insight into the individual’s basic instincts, and can suggest the best lifestyle and spiritual regimen (sadhana) for that individual. The three gunas–sattva, calmness; rajas, action; and tamas, inertia–coexist in a varying degree of dominance, also evident from the chart. The interplay of the gunas determines the nature of all our thoughts, feelings, and actions, hence sadhana is recommended according to the predominate guna. Hatha yoga and meditation for those of sattvic nature, devotion for the rajasic person and selfless religious service for the tamasic.

The influence of certain planets encourages or hinders spiritual awareness, Jupiter being the most auspicious indicator, and Saturn being an indicator of steadfastness. The powerful influence of Jupiter is demonstrated to me often in my consulting practice. I remember one case, owing to the rather bold and dramatic gesture of my client, who canceled her check after her consultation with me because she considered the predictions preposterous. She could be described as somewhat flighty, flirtatious and fun loving, with a tendency to manipulate people to her advantage. I advised her that she would likely marry a foreigner, live abroad, become very religious, and that it would benefit her to begin a program of meditation. Ten years later, when Jupiter dasa started, she went through an enormous transformation in line with my predictions. In July, 1998, she actually showed up at my door, feeling ashamed of how she had treated me a decade earlier, and insisted she write a check as a gesture of apology.

In another case, I told a poor friend, one who used to visit Swami Muktananda with me, that he would become a great philanthropist. That friend later became rich and just a few months ago decided to devote half his profits to spiritual work. Others have gained the confidence to take up the life of a sadhu. I once advised a doctor that his chart indicated skill with mantras. He developed this skill, and learned mantras to recite before surgery that greatly helped his patients. One couple who sought a child only succeeded when, following my advice, they increased their religious worship to offset negative influences in their chart.

Sometimes the advice just lets people cope better with life. After I explained to a talented lady that the lack of recognition she deserved which so frustrated her was foreseeable in her chart, she became accepting and less angry about it. I told one rich man that he must live a very simple life, or he would have problems. He forgot my advice, developed a lavish lifestyle for he and his family and, as predicted, started to face many difficulties. Recently he remembered my advice, simplified his life and his problems diminished.

Sometimes it is just the knowledge of karma and reincarnation implicit in Vedic astrology which, especially for the Westerner, creates a spiritual perspective on life. It helps the individual take responsibility for the circumstances in which he finds himself and forego resentment at the seeming misfortunes indicated in the chart–which is, after all, a mere messenger of one’s karma, and in fact an opportunity for personal growth.

CONTACT INFORMATION: CHAKRAPANI ULLAL, 12044 KEARSARGE STREET, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90049 USA; B.V. RAMAN, SRI RAJESWARI, #28 (OLD 115/1) NAGAPPA STREET, SESHADRIPURAM 560 020 BANGALORE, INDIA; K.N. RAO, F291 SARASWATI KUNJPATPARGANJ, 110 092 DELHI, INDIA; GARY GOMES, 854 BROCK AVE, NEW BEDFORD, MA 02740-4842, USA; STEPHEN QUONG, 17514 GRIZZLY DEN ROAD, LAKE SHASTINA, CALIFORNIA 96094 USA; DENNIS HARNESS, DENNIS FLAHERTY, VAMADEVA SHASTRI, EDITH HATHAWAY, WILLIAM LEVACY, CHRISTINA COLLINS-HILL and JAMES KELLEHER, ALL C/O AMERICAN COUNCIL OF VEDIC ASTROLOGY, POST OFFICE BOX 2149, SEDONA, ARIZONA 86339 USA

Post Views: 1,949