The Authors
Suit Madhuri Bchari holds post-graduate degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, and a diploma in Psychiatry. She has studied Astrology in the light of Eastern pliilosphy and modern psychological approach very profoundly for more than 45 years, She has travelled extensively in Europe and in India and has lectured at various gatherings of eminent astrologers. She writes occasionally for The Astrological Magazine (Bangalore) and The Times of Astrology (New Delhi).
Bcpin Bchari is a noted authority on Vedic Astrology. Eastern philosophy and Occultism. His penetrating approach to Astrology has reclaimed many of its deeper aspects once thought lost. His manuscript which became Study in Astrological Occultism won the prestigious international Meyer l7oundation Award of Switzerland for philosophy. His recent publications viz. Myths and Symbols of Veclic Astrology and The Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology in four volumes have received international recognition. He was the Guest of Honour and the key-note speaker at the f ifth International Symposium of American Council of Vedic Astrology in 199? Mid was awarded Life-time Achievement Award bv the Council.
I'refaee to the Second Edition
With yrcat satisfaction we present the second edition of Introduction to Esoteric l.\trolog\\ Since its publication, about a decade ago, we had been wanting 10 revise the publication but it seems that the effort would entail almost rewriting the whole. "l"his would spoil its original complexion. In the present form, the book has become ver\ popular and the authors are grateful to the readers for their response. However, we feel that there arc many new aspects of esoteric astrology which should be introduced to the readers along with the new edition. For this reason we have added three new chapters.
The various symbols used in astrology are very meaningful. Along with allegories and my thologies connected with the signs, the significance of astrological study has greatly increased. With a view to indicating the vast area of symbolism in astrology, we have added a small chapter on the subject. Another aspect of esoteric astrology which was completely left out in the first edition, and on which very little work has so far been available, is concerned with the relevance of Nakshatras or the lunar mansions. A chapter on lite significance of this aspect of astrology has been incorporated here so that the readers may follow it up on their own The third new chapter is one which attempts to make esoteric astrology as a part of other occult studies showing that astrological laws are merely a fragment of the wider laws of nature. It is hoped that the readers would find these chapters useful and interesting.
In order to make a better use of this book, the readers are suggested to study the subject along with another publication namely .-1 Study in Astrological Occultism by one of us. which opens the subject to cosmic perspective while indicating various suggestions to make the entire subject extremely personal specially in order to use astrological knowledge for self improvement.
New Delhi
The Authors
EXTRACT FROM FOREWORD BY Dr. BANGALORE VENKATA RAMAN, Editor The A strologicqj, Magazine, Bangalore
Most books on astrology hitherto published deal with the application of the subject to life's immediate mundane problems, and they have indeed their own importance.
But Bepin Behari approaches the subject from a hitherto neglected angle, namely the higher reaches of astrology
The entire range of esoteric astrology receives an exhaustive treatment supported by practical illustrations. The auihors bring before their readers a clear conception of the higher reaches of astrological science as it was understood and inculcated by ancient teachers.
Preface
During the last two decades the book has not only gone into several editions, it has even satisfied the inner needs of a large number of serious readers. It makes lis very happy that the popularity of the book is still increasing uninterruptedly. Gaiand from Paris went into raptures when he read the book; Aioupi from Brussels considered it a healing balm to be shared with friends in distress: and our parents read it whenever they fell depressed in life. These are some of the expressions aroused when readers for the first time came in contact with deeper astrological principles as applicable to their persona) life.
Dr. B.V. Raman, the Editor-in-chief of The Astological Magazine. white initially introducing the book highlighted the approach to the subject in this book from a hitherto neglected angle namely the higher reaches of astrology. Commending the publication to the readers, he mentioned that the entire range of esoteric astrology received in it an exhaustive treatment supported by practical illustrations. The authors bring before the readers, he said, "a clear conception of the higher teachings of astrological science as it was understood and inculcated by ancient teachers." In fact, it was the foresight of Prcm Sager, the architect of Sager Publications and a pioneer in publishing Hindu astrology in Bngiish literature that lie launchad this publication with great eclat and supported the cause of Hindu astrologv in a basic way.
In fact, esoteric astrology is a branch of study which gives a new understanding of deeper human problems. It opens many new facets of human existence. It gives an insight into the causes of disparity between birth conditions of different individuals. Some persons are born with proverbial silver spoon white others have always suffered from penury, ill-health, and deprivations of various kinds. Many persons suffer unexpected frustrations in spite of all their precautions while others enjoy only favourable and pleasant circumstances in life. On occasions one finds that religious and righteous men are suffering seemingly cruel misfortune while unscrupulous and corrupt individuals galore in fabulous riches.All these anomalies have valid rational explanations based on inner principles of our existence. These events are convincingly explained by a careful study of astrology which in fact was considered by ancient seers as Vedanga, an essential component of Pure Understating - the Vedas,
Such a study cannot be made from am book howsoever learned and scholarly it may appear. In ancient times, almost all over die world, there were Mystery Schools where such instructions were imparted to deserving students. Such disciples in the modem world are ver> few The necessary qualifications for the neophyte before he could be presented to the hierophant for mystery teachings require arduous preparations. In the modern era we desire quick results without making the adequate preparations and without undergoing the requisite discipline. One way of making the necessary preparations is to undertake a study of comparative religions, mythologies and the way the great Adepts lived their life of righteousness. On the basis of such studies, one may gel intuitive flashes which may be worked out in detail depending on one's own knowledge and understanding fhis type of study may enlighten many of the so far unexplained laws of nature.
Once upon a time, not a very long past but during a generation or two earlier, any talk of contemplative study of occult subjects was not acceptable in social circles. But, now things are changing. The contemporary society of ours has become receptive to sacred sciences and for the study of these hitherto unfashionable subjects, the modern society is even prepared to sacrifice much of their personal comfort. Unfortunately in India the interest in astrology is still dubbed as superstitious and ob sen ran line. It is for the simple reason that many of our intellectuals are still unprepared to observe the necessary austerities required for its direct knowledge. In other parts of the world, the interest is rapidly increasing. Yet publications on Hindu esoteric astrology unveiling the wider vista of practical occultism are very few. To fill this gap, we tried to present this small study long ago and the response to it has indeed been very encouraging. We are greatly touched by the considerations shown to it by students and practitioners of the subject throughout the world. We are indeed very happy about this new orientation towards astrological studies. We may however suggest that the recently published Myths and Symbols ofVedic Abtrohgy (by Bepin Behart)and his earlier A Study in Astrological Occultism are important supporting studies which throw much deeper light to inner teachings of Hindu scriptures from astrological standpoint. Those readers who are still interested in greater and deeper insight into the subject inay with profit study them along v ith this basic work on the subject.
PREFACl"
Kiii
We wish to express our appreciation to N a rendra Sager, the present proprietor ofSagar Publications for taking much interest in promoting astrological studies around the world. We shall feel our efforts greatly rewarded if the readers find the publication effective in resolving their difficulties in gaining some insight into the subject..
C-505 Yojna Vihar New Delhi-l 10 092
Madhuri Behari Bepin Behari
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