Light of Nonviolence

Author(s): Sushilmuni
Publisher: Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh Delhi

Page 56

THE ASTROLOGER OF INDIA Astrology is an ancient, pre-scientific system of beliefs based upon the movements of the solar system and the stars. It claims to be able to predict a person's future based upon the conjunction of certain biographical and celestial data. In this story, Guruji describes an encounter that he had with a famous astrologer of India, Pundit Kedar Nath. The story shows how the human ego or pride can blind us to the truth. Guruji concludes the story with a brief discourse upon astrology. D efore 1947, India was still under British rule and
the Viceroy or ruler of India had a personal astrologer by the name of Kedar Nath. In 1951, after the Viceroy had been removed from power, I became very interested in the science and art of astrology. I remembered that the viceroy had a personal astrologer whose reputation as a learned scholar and fortune-teller was wellknown. I decided to send for the great astrologer even though I did not know him.
At the time I was twenty five years old and one among many monks in any order. I was still quite naive and unworldly and I did not understand how pride can rule a man's ego and mind, causing him to be ignorant. Anyway, I sent a messenger to the famous astrologer to