Is it possible to predict the future?
We are neuro-biologically programmed to assume that there is a future. But can we predict it?
Since time immemorial, prediction of future has always concerned the human mind. The curiosity about what lies in the future is a universal issue. This is true with every human, irrespective of race, religion, nationalities. In every civilisation, Humans have attempted several techniques of predicting future. But, so far, none of the technique proved to be definitive about the future.
Why do we need to know future? ☄️
David Linden, American Professor of Neurosciences wrote an article “A Neuroscientist prepares for death”. In this he says that human brain is hardwired to predict future. We keep on thinking about future especially the next few moments. The brain thus presupposes that there IS a future. Our mind programs itself to keep preparing for the moments that will come ‘next’. We thus assume that future is a certainty and that we are eternal beings. That’s why, he says, in almost all religious systems (except Judaism) there is a concept of after-life. In vedic system, we call it Punarjanm or Reincarnation. The belief that there is an after-life gives an assurance of continuity. This is a great source of mental strength for the mind. A strong and assured mind then is able to deal with current life situations with confidence.
So, Is it possible to predict future? ☄️
Astrology is generally understood as a subject that attempts at predicting future. But this interpretation of Astrology is not proper. We need to study Astrology from a spiritual lens. Astrology is a Vedang or the part of Veda. Thus, we cannot view Astrology in isolation apart from Vedas & Spirituality. It is only because Astrology is dealt in isolation that it often fails. At its core, Astrology is thus Astro-Spirituality. Understanding this concept is essential to get an answer to this question of possibility of future prediction.
As per the standard authoritative astrological texts too, we cannot predict future. We need to delve deep into Astrology and view it from the spiritual angle. We need to understand that Astrology is not about predicting future. But, it is more about understanding the effects of planets on us. Such understanding helps us in choosing remedial measures to make our life better.
The Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra is one of the most authoritative texts in Astrology. Maharshi Parasara authored it. In Chapter 66, Sloka-11, while describing techniques of Astakavarga to Rishi Maitreya, he says-
निश्चेतुं तन्न शक्नोति, वशिष्ठो वा बृहस्पति:
किं पुनर्मनुर्जास्तत्र, विशेषात्तु कलौ युगे ।। {BPHS: Chapt-66, Sloka-11}
Nishchetum Tann Shaknoti, Vashishto Va Brihaspati,
Kim Punarmanurjastatra, Visheshattu Kalau Yuge
{English Translation may not be exact}
Sage Parasara says that the movements of planets are very subtle. Even sages like Vashishta and Brahaspati (who are given status of Gods) cannot be definitive in Astrology. Then how can a common man, particularly in Kaliyuga can be definitive?
Thus, even as per Astrology, we cannot predict future. Let's understand this further from the lens of Astro-Spirituality.
What do Astro-Spirituality say about predicting future? ☄️
In Astro-Spirituality, we stick to the logical and rational interpretation of Vedic texts. Thus, we are convinced that it is not possible to predict future. We need to understand the planetary impact on us. We should suffer our karma with all grace and live in PRESENT. The NOW is the only truth. Rest all doesn’t matter. Every stream of spirituality tries to drive home this basic theme. When we live in the present, the spiritual state that we are in is almost akin to that experienced in rising of Kundalini.
The moment we start living too much in future, we allow anxiety, stress and worries to take over our inner peace. We cannot escape our own Karma. Suffer we must. The remedies in Vedas, Astrology and Spirituality are effective. These remedies help us to suffer better.
Let’s leave our worries of the future and celebrate the NOW by listening to the divine Navagraha Stotra-Mantra Mala. There are seven malas on which mantra-meditation can be done.
