Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
Astrological Mythology The Meaning of ... - Mandhata Global
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peripheral activities are trimmed, though the reduction may be full <strong>of</strong> painful<br />
sacrifices. Such a preparation is made so that the inherent reality <strong>of</strong> the<br />
individual and <strong>of</strong> the manifestation around him is revealed.<br />
Vishnu or Hari as the presiding deity relates this asterism to the cosmic<br />
preservative principle whose primary function is to harmonize and eradicate<br />
all impediments to the growth <strong>of</strong> the soul. In this role Vishnu floats on the<br />
sea <strong>of</strong> primeval matter reclining on the coils <strong>of</strong> Shesha-Naga, the cosmic<br />
serpent. He balances all the divergent forces and harmonizes the rough sea<br />
<strong>of</strong> worldly existence. He works to help the evolving soul out <strong>of</strong> the turmoil<br />
and encouragingly guides it along the evolutionary path. In order to guide<br />
the soul on its perilous journey, Vishnu creates situations in which the<br />
aspirant relinquishes Asat, the false, and embraces Sat, the true.<br />
This radical transformation requires clear perception <strong>of</strong> one's true nature<br />
beyond the veil <strong>of</strong> ignorance. Under Shravana, one begins to perceive the<br />
truth <strong>of</strong> the manifestation concealed in the illusory appearances. This<br />
unveiling results in the tearing <strong>of</strong> the old and transcending <strong>of</strong> the hard crust<br />
<strong>of</strong> primeval ignorance. It is always a trying experience. <strong>The</strong> lordship <strong>of</strong><br />
Saturn over Capricorn which contains this asterism, contributes to the<br />
hardship. Shravana is not an asterism <strong>of</strong> comfort and enjoyment, but one <strong>of</strong><br />
difficulty and disillusionment. <strong>The</strong> trying experiences it gives can only be<br />
borne with endurance and patience. Yogic teachings give instructions for the<br />
necessary psycho-physical preparations. On such a path <strong>of</strong> listening to the<br />
pure sound <strong>of</strong> the cosmos — Nada — it is essential to have a sound intellect<br />
bestowed by Mercury and good intuitive insight granted by Venus. <strong>The</strong>se<br />
allow the individual to seriously set foot on the path and move toward the<br />
attainment <strong>of</strong> his enduring goal.<br />
<strong>The</strong> endurance <strong>of</strong> personal pain and suffering in order to listen to the cosmic<br />
voice without any distortion is possible only with the benediction <strong>of</strong> a strong<br />
Mars. Before the voice <strong>of</strong> the cosmic Great Silence is heard, there must be<br />
the persistence <strong>of</strong> a mongoose, and the eager intellect <strong>of</strong> a monkey. But these<br />
make the individual isolated from his friends, turn him away from society<br />
and make him live in a world <strong>of</strong> his own. This is the life <strong>of</strong> an outcast. Yet<br />
having gone through these ordeals <strong>of</strong> Shravana, the individual is ready to<br />
function as a man <strong>of</strong> knowledge.<br />
23 DHANISHTA