STAR-STRUCK
I just want to ask: Is the profession of astrology bad? Is a Krsna devotee not allowed to do such work though he/she is doing it just to help people and preach Krsna consciousness?
Yours in the service of Lord Krsna,
(Shilpakarini Radha Dasi ,(Dr. Shivani Kathuria))
Our Reply: Srila Prabhupada said that astrology played an integral role in the karma-kanda functions of Vedic society. Srimad-Bhagavatam [1.12.29] purport states: Amongst the karma-kanda experts, the jataka expert vipras were good astrologers who could tell all the future history of a born child simply by the astral calculations of the time (lagna) .. .There is a need of such vipras in the social structure … Such expert vipras, being sufficiently paid by the state, could give free service to the people in general, and thus this department of Vedic knowledge could be available for all. In varnasrama system, brahmanas generally used to become astrologers.
Astrology may also be consulted by the householders as mentioned in Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.19.10 purport: Therefore the custom in Vedic society is to examine the horoscopes of a girl and boy being considered for marriage to see whether their combination is suitable.
However, Srila Prabhupada wanted that the devotees of Krsna consciousness movement depend completely on Lord Krsna rather than astrology or similar such techniques. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.19.10 purport mentioned above, he says about role of astrology in devotee's marriage: … But if the boy and girl are devotees there need be no such considerations (of astrology).
In a letter to disciple he says: Regarding astrology, you should not listen to any of these so-called astrologers- strictly avoid … Astrology is meant for the materialist, but a spiritualist does not care for the future. Everything is dependent upon Krsna …. Pure devotee is never interested in this astrology.
In another letter he says: No, you should not bother with all this nonsense. Astrology will not save you at the time of death. My Guru Maharaja was a great astrologer and astronomer, but he gave it all up. It is meant for the karmis. We have no interest in such things.
The choice lies with you.
The reply to the letter was written by Murari Gupta Dasa
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