Outwitting the Stars

“Mukunda, why don’t you get an astrological armlet?”

“Mukunda, why don’t you get an astrological armband?”

“Should I, Master? I don’t believe in astrology.”

“Should I, Master? I don’t believe in astrology.”

“It is never a question of belief ; the only scientific attitude one can take on any subject is whether it is true . The law of gravitation worked as efficiently before Newton as after him. The cosmos would be fairly chaotic if its laws could not operate without the sanction of human belief.

“The question is never about belief. The only scientific approach to any subject is to ask whether it is true. Gravity worked just as well before Newton as after him. The cosmos would be fairly chaotic if its laws could not work without the approval of human belief.

“Charlatans have brought the stellar science to its present state of disrepute. Astrology is too vast, both mathematically [^16] and philosophically, to be rightly grasped except by men of profound understanding. If ignoramuses misread the heavens, and see there a scrawl instead of a script, that is to be expected in this imperfect world. One should not dismiss the wisdom with the ‘wise.’

“Frauds have given the science of the stars its bad reputation today. Astrology is vast, both mathematically [^16] and philosophically. Only people with deep understanding can grasp it properly. If ignorant people misread the heavens and see a scrawl instead of a script, such mistakes are expected in this imperfect world. We should not reject the wisdom along with the ‘wise.’

“All parts of creation are linked together and interchange their influences. The balanced rhythm of the universe is rooted in reciprocity,” my guru continued. “Man, in his human aspect, has to combat two sets of forces-first, the tumults within his being, caused by the admixture of earth, water, fire, air, and ethereal elements; second, the outer disintegrating powers of nature. So long as man struggles with his mortality, he is affected by the myriad mutations of heaven and earth.

“All parts of creation are connected and influence one another. The universe’s balanced rhythm depends on this mutual exchange,” my guru continued. “Human beings, in their human form, must struggle against two kinds of forces. First come the inner disturbances caused by the mixture of earth, water, fire, air, and ether within them. Second come the destructive forces of nature outside them. As long as people struggle with their mortality, the countless changes in heaven and earth affect them.

“Astrology is the study of man’s response to planetary stimuli. The stars have no conscious benevolence or animosity; they merely send forth positive and negative radiations. Of themselves, these do not help or harm humanity, but offer a lawful channel for the outward operation of cause-effect equilibriums which each man has set into motion in the past.

“Astrology is the study of how people respond to planetary influences. The stars have no conscious goodwill or hostility. They simply give off positive and negative radiation. By itself, this radiation neither helps nor harms humanity. But it provides a channel, governed by law, for cause and effect to reach balance in the outer world. Each person set these processes of cause and effect in motion in the past.

“A child is born on that day and at that hour when the celestial rays are in mathematical harmony with his individual karma. His horoscope is a challenging portrait, revealing his unalterable past and its probable future results. But the natal chart can be rightly interpreted only by men of intuitive wisdom: these are few.

“A child is born on the exact day and hour when celestial rays align mathematically with his individual karma. His horoscope presents a challenging picture of his unchangeable past and its likely future consequences. But only men with intuitive wisdom can correctly interpret a birth chart. Such men are few.

“The message boldly blazoned across the heavens at the moment of birth is not meant to emphasize fate-the result of past good and evil-but to arouse man’s will to escape from his universal thralldom. What he has done, he can undo. None other than himself was the instigator of the causes of whatever effects are now prevalent in his life. He can overcome any limitation, because he created it by his own actions in the first place, and because he has spiritual resources which are not subject to planetary pressure.

“The message written boldly across the heavens at birth is not meant to emphasize fate, the result of past good and evil. Instead, the message is meant to awaken a person’s will to escape the bondage shared by all humanity. What a person has done, he can undo. He alone set in motion the causes of everything now happening in his life. He can overcome any limitation because he created the limitation through his own actions in the first place. He can also overcome any limitation because he has spiritual resources that planetary forces cannot affect.

“Superstitious awe of astrology makes one an automaton, slavishly dependent on mechanical guidance. The wise man defeats his planets- which is to say, his past-by transferring his allegiance from the creation to the Creator. The more he realizes his unity with Spirit, the less he can be dominated by matter. The soul is ever-free; it is deathless because birthless. It cannot be regimented by stars.

“Superstitious fear of astrology turns a person into a robot, blindly dependent on mechanical guidance. A wise man overcomes his planets, meaning his past, by shifting his loyalty from creation to the Creator. The more he recognizes his unity with Spirit, the less power matter has over him. The soul is always free. It cannot die because it was never born. The stars cannot control the soul.

“Man is a soul, and has a body. When he properly places his sense of identity, he leaves behind all compulsive patterns. So long as he remains confused in his ordinary state of spiritual amnesia, he will know the subtle fetters of environmental law.

“A person is a soul and has a body. When he correctly identifies himself as a soul, he leaves behind all compulsive patterns. As long as he remains confused in his usual state of spiritual forgetfulness, his surroundings will subtly constrain him.

“God is harmony; the devotee who attunes himself will never perform any action amiss. His activities will be correctly and naturally timed to accord with astrological law. After deep prayer and meditation he is in touch with his divine consciousness; there is no greater power than that inward protection.”

“God is harmony. The devotee who brings himself into harmony with God will never act wrongly. His actions will naturally come at the right time, in keeping with astrological law. After deep prayer and meditation, he is in touch with his divine consciousness. No power is greater than that inner protection.”

“Then, dear Master, why do you want me to wear an astrological bangle?” I ventured this question after a long silence, during which I had tried to assimilate Sri Yukteswar’s noble exposition.

“Then, dear Master, why do you want me to wear an astrological bangle?” I hesitantly asked after a long silence. During that silence, I had tried to absorb Sri Yukteswar’s profound explanation.

“It is only when a traveler has reached his goal that he is justified in discarding his maps. During the journey, he takes advantage of any convenient short cut. The ancient rishis discovered many ways to curtail the period of man’s exile in delusion. There are certain mechanical features in the law of karma which can be skillfully adjusted by the fingers of wisdom.

“A traveler is justified in throwing away his maps only after reaching his destination. Along the way, he uses any convenient shortcut. The ancient rishis discovered many ways to shorten humanity’s exile in delusion. Certain mechanical aspects of the law of karma can be skillfully adjusted by the hands of wisdom.

“All human ills arise from some transgression of universal law. The scriptures point out that man must satisfy the laws of nature, while not discrediting the divine omnipotence. He should say: ‘Lord, I trust in Thee, and know Thou canst help me, but I too will do my best to undo any wrong I have done.’ By a number of means-by prayer, by will power, by yoga meditation, by consultation with saints, by use of astrological bangles-the adverse effects of past wrongs can be minimized or nullified.

“All human suffering comes from some violation of universal law. The scriptures say that people must obey nature’s laws without denying God’s unlimited power. Each person should say: ‘Lord, I trust in you and know you can help me. But I too will do my best to undo any wrong I have done.’ Several methods can reduce or cancel out the harmful effects of past wrongs. These methods include prayer, willpower, yoga meditation, consulting saints, and wearing astrological bangles.

“Just as a house can be fitted with a copper rod to absorb the shock of lightning, so the bodily temple can be benefited by various protective measures. Ages ago our yogis discovered that pure metals emit an astral light which is powerfully counteractive to negative pulls of the planets. Subtle electrical and magnetic radiations are constantly circulating in the universe; when a man’s body is being aided, he does not know it; when it is being disintegrated, he is still in ignorance. Can he do anything about it?

“Just as a house can have a copper rod to absorb lightning’s shock, the body’s temple can benefit from protection. Long ago, our yogis discovered that pure metals give off an astral light. This light powerfully counters the negative pulls of the planets. Subtle electrical and magnetic radiation constantly circulates throughout the universe. When a man’s body is being helped, he is unaware of it. When his body is being broken down, he is still unaware. Can he do anything about it?

“This problem received attention from our rishis; they found helpful not only a combination of metals, but also of plants and-most effective of all-faultless jewels of not less than two carats. The preventive uses of astrology have seldom been seriously studied outside of India. One little-known fact is that the proper jewels, metals, or plant preparations are valueless unless the required weight is secured, and unless these remedial agents are worn next to the skin.”

“Our rishis studied this problem. They found combinations of metals helpful, as well as combinations of plants. Most effective of all were flawless jewels weighing at least two carats. Astrology’s preventive uses have rarely been seriously studied outside India. One little-known fact is that the right jewels, metals, or plant preparations are useless unless they meet two conditions. These remedies must have the required weight and must be worn next to the skin.”

“Sir, of course I shall take your advice and get a bangle. I am intrigued at the thought of outwitting a planet!”

“Sir, of course I’ll take your advice and get a bangle. I’m intrigued by the idea of outwitting a planet!”

“For general purposes I counsel the use of an armlet made of gold, silver, and copper. But for a specific purpose I want you to get one of silver and lead.” Sri Yukteswar added careful directions.

“For general use, I recommend an armlet made of gold, silver, and copper. But for a specific purpose, I want you to get one made of silver and lead.” Sri Yukteswar gave detailed instructions.

“Guruji, what ‘specific purpose’ do you mean?”

“Guruji, what do you mean by ‘specific purpose’?”

“The stars are about to take an unfriendly interest in you, Mukunda. Fear not; you shall be protected. In about a month your liver will cause you much trouble. The illness is scheduled to last for six months, but your use of an astrological armlet will shorten the period to twenty-four days.”

“The stars are about to take an unfriendly interest in you, Mukunda. Don’t be afraid. You will be protected. In about a month, your liver will cause you a lot of trouble. The illness is set to last six months. But wearing an astrological armlet will shorten the illness to twenty-four days.”

I sought out a jeweler the next day, and was soon wearing the bangle. My health was excellent; Master’s prediction slipped from my mind. He left Serampore to visit Benares. Thirty days after our conversation, I felt a sudden pain in the region of my liver. The following weeks were a nightmare of excruciating pain. Reluctant to disturb my guru, I thought I would bravely endure my trial alone.

I went to a jeweler the next day and was soon wearing the bangle. My health was excellent, and I forgot Master’s prediction. He left Serampore to visit Benares. Thirty days after our conversation, I felt a sudden pain near my liver. The following weeks were a nightmare of excruciating pain. I did not want to disturb my guru, so I thought I would bravely endure this ordeal alone.

But twenty-three days of torture weakened my resolution; I entrained for Benares. There Sri Yukteswar greeted me with unusual warmth, but gave me no opportunity to tell him my woes in private. Many devotees visited Master that day, just for a darshan. [^16] Ill and neglected, I sat in a corner. It was not until after the evening meal that all guests had departed. My guru summoned me to the octagonal balcony of the house.

But twenty-three days of torture weakened my resolve, and I took a train to Benares. There Sri Yukteswar greeted me with unusual warmth. But he gave me no chance to tell him my troubles in private. Many devotees visited Master that day, just for a darshan. [^16] Sick and neglected, I sat in a corner. Only after the evening meal had all the guests left. My guru called me to the house’s octagonal balcony.

“You must have come about your liver disorder.” Sri Yukteswar’s gaze was averted; he walked to and fro, occasionally intercepting the moonlight. “Let me see; you have been ailing for twenty-four days, haven’t you?”

“You must have come about your liver problem.” Sri Yukteswar looked away. He walked back and forth, occasionally blocking the moonlight. “Let me see. You’ve been ill for twenty-four days, haven’t you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Please do the stomach exercise I have taught you.”

“Please do the stomach exercise I taught you.”

“If you knew the extent of my suffering, Master, you would not ask me to exercise.” Nevertheless I made a feeble attempt to obey him.

“If you knew how much I was suffering, Master, you would not ask me to exercise.” Still, I made a weak effort to obey him.

“You say you have pain; I say you have none. How can such contradictions exist?” My guru looked at me inquiringly.

“You say you’re in pain. I say you’re not. How can these statements contradict each other?” My guru gave me a questioning look.

I was dazed and then overcome with joyful relief. No longer could I feel the continuous torment that had kept me nearly sleepless for weeks; at Sri Yukteswar’s words the agony vanished as though it had never been.

I was dazed, then overwhelmed with joy and relief. I could no longer feel the constant pain that had kept me almost sleepless for weeks. At Sri Yukteswar’s words, the agony vanished as though it had never existed.

I started to kneel at his feet in gratitude, but he quickly prevented me.

I started to kneel at his feet in gratitude, but he quickly stopped me.

“Don’t be childish. Get up and enjoy the beauty of the moon over the Ganges.” But Master’s eyes were twinkling happily as I stood in silence beside him. I understood by his attitude that he wanted me to feel that not he, but God, had been the Healer.

“Don’t be childish. Get up and enjoy the beauty of the moon over the Ganges.” But Master’s eyes twinkled happily as I stood silently beside him. His manner showed me that he wanted me to understand that God, not he, had been the Healer.

I wear even now the heavy silver and lead bangle, a memento of that day-long-past, ever-cherished-when I found anew that I was living with a personage indeed superhuman. On later occasions, when I brought my friends to Sri Yukteswar for healing, he invariably recommended jewels or the bangle, extolling their use as an act of astrological wisdom.

I still wear the heavy silver and lead bangle, a reminder of that long-past day I will always cherish. That day, I realized once again that I was living with someone truly superhuman. Later, when I brought friends to Sri Yukteswar for healing, he always recommended jewels or the bangle. He praised their use as a wise practice based on astrology.

I had been prejudiced against astrology from my childhood, partly because I observed that many people are sequaciously attached to it, and partly because of a prediction made by our family astrologer: “You will marry three times, being twice a widower.” I brooded over the matter, feeling like a goat awaiting sacrifice before the temple of triple matrimony.

I had been biased against astrology since childhood, partly because I saw how many people blindly followed it. Another reason was a prediction by our family astrologer: “You will marry three times and be widowed twice.” I brooded over the prediction, feeling like a goat awaiting sacrifice before the temple of three marriages.

“You may as well be resigned to your fate,” my brother Ananta had remarked. “Your written horoscope has correctly stated that you would fly from home toward the Himalayas during your early years, but would be forcibly returned. The forecast of your marriages is also bound to be true.”

“You might as well accept your fate,” my brother Ananta had said. “Your written horoscope correctly predicted you would run away from home toward the Himalayas when you were young. But it also correctly predicted you would be brought back by force. The prediction about your marriages is also bound to come true.”

A clear intuition came to me one night that the prophecy was wholly false. I set fire to the horoscope scroll, placing the ashes in a paper bag on which I wrote: “Seeds of past karma cannot germinate if they are roasted in the divine fires of wisdom.” I put the bag in a conspicuous spot; Ananta immediately read my defiant comment.

One night, I had a clear intuition that the prophecy was completely false. I burned the horoscope scroll and put the ashes in a paper bag. On the bag I wrote: “Seeds of past karma cannot sprout if they are roasted in the divine fires of wisdom.” I put the bag where it would be easily noticed. Ananta immediately read my defiant comment.

“You cannot destroy truth as easily as you have burnt this paper scroll.” My brother laughed scornfully.

“You can’t destroy truth as easily as you burned this paper scroll.” My brother laughed scornfully.

It is a fact that on three occasions before I reached manhood, my family tried to arrange my betrothal. Each time I refused to fall in with the plans, [^16] knowing that my love for God was more overwhelming than any astrological persuasion from the past.

Before I reached adulthood, my family tried three times to arrange my engagement. Each time I refused to go along with their plans, [^16] knowing my love for God was stronger than any astrological influence from the past.

“The deeper the self-realization of a man, the more he influences the whole universe by his subtle spiritual vibrations, and the less he himself is affected by the phenomenal flux.” These words of Master’s often returned inspiringly to my mind.

“The deeper a man’s self-realization, the more his subtle spiritual vibrations influence the whole universe. And the deeper his self-realization, the less he is affected by the changing world around him.” These words of Master’s often came back to me and inspired me.

Occasionally I told astrologers to select my worst periods, according to planetary indications, and I would still accomplish whatever task I set myself. It is true that my success at such times has been accompanied by extraordinary difficulties. But my conviction has always been justified: faith in the divine protection, and the right use of man’s God-given will, are forces formidable beyond any the “inverted bowl” can muster.

Sometimes I asked astrologers to identify my worst periods based on the positions of the planets. Even during those periods, I would accomplish whatever task I set myself. It is true that success at those times came with extraordinary difficulties. But my conviction has always proved right: faith in divine protection and the right use of our God-given will are powerful forces. They are far stronger than any forces the “inverted bowl” can bring against us.

The starry inscription at one’s birth, I came to understand, is not that man is a puppet of his past. Its message is rather a prod to pride; the very heavens seek to arouse man’s determination to be free from every limitation. God created each man as a soul, dowered with individuality, hence essential to the universal structure, whether in the temporary role of pillar or parasite. His freedom is final and immediate, if he so wills; it depends not on outer but inner victories.

I came to understand that the stars’ message at birth does not mean we are puppets of our past. Instead, their message challenges our pride. The heavens themselves seek to awaken our determination to break free from every limitation. God created each person as a soul with a unique individuality, making each essential to the structure of the universe. Each person remains essential, whether temporarily serving as a pillar or a parasite. A person’s freedom is complete and immediate, if they choose it. That freedom depends not on outer victories but on inner ones.

Sri Yukteswar discovered the mathematical application of a 24,000-year equinoctial cycle to our present age. [^16] The cycle is divided into an Ascending Arc and a Descending Arc, each of 12,000 years. Within each Arc fall four Yugas or Ages, called Kali , Dwapara , Treta , and Satya , corresponding to the Greek ideas of Iron, Bronze, Silver, and Golden Ages.

Sri Yukteswar discovered how a 24,000-year equinoctial cycle applies mathematically to our present age. [^16] The cycle is divided into an Ascending Arc and a Descending Arc, each lasting 12,000 years. Each Arc contains four Yugas, or Ages, called Kali, Dwapara, Treta, and Satya. These Ages correspond to the Greek ideas of Iron, Bronze, Silver, and Golden Ages.

My guru determined by various calculations that the last Kali Yuga or Iron Age, of the Ascending Arc, started about A.D. 500. The Iron Age, 1200 years in duration, is a span of materialism; it ended about A.D. 1700. That year ushered in Dwapara Yuga , a 2400-year period of electrical and atomic-energy developments, the age of telegraph, radio, airplanes, and other space-annihilators.

Using various calculations, my guru determined when the last Kali Yuga, or Iron Age, of the Ascending Arc began. He placed its beginning around A.D. 500. The Iron Age lasted 1200 years and was a period of materialism. It ended around A.D. 1700. That year marked the beginning of Dwapara Yuga, a 2400-year period of developments in electricity and atomic energy. This was the age of telegraph, radio, airplanes, and other technologies that overcome distance.

The 3600-year period of Treta Yuga will start in A.D. 4100; its age will be marked by common knowledge of telepathic communications and other time-annihilators. During the 4800 years of Satya Yuga , final age in an ascending arc, the intelligence of a man will be completely developed; he will work in harmony with the divine plan.

The 3600-year period of Treta Yuga will begin in A.D. 4100. During this age, telepathic communication and other ways of overcoming time will be common knowledge. Satya Yuga will last 4800 years and will be the final age in an ascending cycle. During this age, human intelligence will be fully developed. People will work in harmony with the divine plan.

A descending arc of 12,000 years, starting with a descending Golden Age of 4800 years, then begins [^16] for the world; man gradually sinks into ignorance. These cycles are the eternal rounds of maya , the contrasts and relativities of the phenomenal universe. [^16] Man, one by one, escapes from creation’s prison of duality as he awakens to consciousness of his inseverable divine unity with the Creator.

A descending cycle of 12,000 years then begins [^16] for the world, starting with a descending Golden Age of 4,800 years. Humanity gradually sinks into ignorance. These cycles are the eternal rounds of maya, the contrasts and relative nature of the world of appearances. [^16] One by one, people escape from creation’s prison of duality as they awaken to their unbreakable divine unity with the Creator.

Master enlarged my understanding not only of astrology but of the world’s scriptures. Placing the holy texts on the spotless table of his mind, he was able to dissect them with the scalpel of intuitive reasoning, and to separate errors and interpolations of scholars from the truths as originally expressed by the prophets.

Master deepened my understanding not only of astrology but also of the world’s scriptures. He placed the holy texts on the spotless table of his mind and examined them with intuitive reasoning as his scalpel. He could separate scholars’ errors and additions from the truths originally expressed by the prophets.

“Fix one’s vision on the end of the nose.” This inaccurate interpretation of a Bhagavad Gita stanza, [^16] widely accepted by Eastern pundits and Western translators, used to arouse Master’s droll criticism.

“Focus your eyes on the tip of your nose.” This inaccurate interpretation of a Bhagavad Gita verse, [^16] was widely accepted by Eastern scholars and Western translators. The interpretation used to draw Master’s wry criticism.

“The path of a yogi is singular enough as it is,” he remarked. “Why counsel him that he must also make himself cross-eyed? The true meaning of nasikagram is ‘origin of the nose, not ‘end of the nose.’ The nose begins at the point between the two eyebrows, the seat of spiritual vision.” [^16] Because of one Sankhya [^16] aphorism, “Iswar-ashidha ,”-“A Lord of Creation cannot be deduced” or “God is not proved,” [^16] -many scholars call the whole philosophy atheistical.

“The path of a yogi is unusual enough already,” he remarked. “Why tell him he must also make himself cross-eyed? The true meaning of nasikagram is ‘origin of the nose,’ not ‘end of the nose.’ The nose begins at the point between the eyebrows, the seat of spiritual vision.” [^16] Because of one Sankhya [^16] aphorism, many scholars call the entire philosophy atheistic. The aphorism is “Iswar-ashidha,” meaning “A Lord of Creation cannot be deduced” or “God is not proved,” [^16]

“The verse is not nihilistic,” Sri Yukteswar explained. “It merely signifies that to the unenlightened man, dependent on his senses for all final judgments, proof of God must remain unknown and therefore non-existent. True Sankhya followers, with unshakable insight born of meditation, understand that the Lord is both existent and knowable.”

“The verse is not nihilistic,” Sri Yukteswar explained. “The verse simply means that an unenlightened person relies on the senses for all final judgments. For such a person, proof of God must remain unknown and therefore nonexistent. True Sankhya followers have unshakable insight gained through meditation. With that insight, they understand that the Lord both exists and can be known.”

Master expounded the Christian Bible with a beautiful clarity. It was from my Hindu guru, unknown to the roll call of Christian membership, that I learned to perceive the deathless essence of the Bible, and to understand the truth in Christ’s assertion-surely the most thrillingly intransigent ever uttered: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” [^16]

Master explained the Christian Bible with beautiful clarity. My Hindu guru was not counted among the members of the Christian faith. Yet he taught me to see the Bible’s timeless essence and understand the truth of Christ’s declaration. Surely no statement has ever been so thrillingly uncompromising: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” [^16]

The great masters of India mold their lives by the same godly ideals which animated Jesus; these men are his proclaimed kin: “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” [^16] “If ye continue in my word,” Christ pointed out, “then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” [^16] Freemen all, lords of themselves, the Yogi-Christs of India are part of the immortal fraternity: those who have attained a liberating knowledge of the One Father.

The great masters of India shape their lives by the same divine ideals that inspired Jesus. Jesus declared these men his family: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother.” [^16] “If you continue to follow my teachings,” Christ said, “then you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [^16] All are free and masters of themselves. The Yogi-Christs of India belong to the immortal brotherhood of those who have gained liberating knowledge of the One Father.

“The Adam and Eve story is incomprehensible to me!” I observed with considerable heat one day in my early struggles with the allegory. “Why did God punish not only the guilty pair, but also the innocent unborn generations?”

“The story of Adam and Eve makes no sense to me!” I said heatedly one day. I was still beginning to struggle with the story’s symbolic meaning. “Why did God punish not only the guilty pair, but also the innocent generations yet to be born?”

Master was more amused by my vehemence than my ignorance. “Genesis is deeply symbolic, and cannot be grasped by a literal interpretation,” he explained. “Its ‘tree of life’ is the human body. The spinal cord is like an upturned tree, with man’s hair as its roots, and afferent and efferent nerves as branches. The tree of the nervous system bears many enjoyable fruits, or sensations of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. In these, man may rightfully indulge; but he was forbidden the experience of sex, the ‘apple’ at the center of the bodily garden. [^16]

Master was more amused by my intensity than by my ignorance. “Genesis is deeply symbolic and cannot be understood literally,” he explained. “Its ‘tree of life’ is the human body. The spinal cord is like an upside-down tree. A person’s hair forms its roots, and nerves carrying signals to and from the spinal cord form its branches. The tree of the nervous system bears many enjoyable fruits: the sensations of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. A person may rightfully enjoy these sensations. But he was forbidden to experience sex, the ‘apple’ at the center of the body’s garden. [^16]

“The ‘serpent’ represents the coiled-up spinal energy which stimulates the sex nerves. ‘Adam’ is reason, and ‘Eve’ is feeling. When the emotion or Eve-consciousness in any human being is overpowered by the sex impulse, his reason or Adam also succumbs. [^16]

“The ‘serpent’ represents the coiled spinal energy that stimulates the sexual nerves. ‘Adam’ is reason, and ‘Eve’ is feeling. When sexual desire overpowers emotion, or Eve-consciousness, in any human being, that person’s reason, or Adam, also gives in. [^16]

“God created the human species by materializing the bodies of man and woman through the force of His will; He endowed the new species with the power to create children in a similar ‘immaculate’ or divine manner. [^16] Because His manifestation in the individualized soul had hitherto been limited to animals, instinct-bound and lacking the potentialities of full reason, God made the first human bodies, symbolically called Adam and Eve. To these, for advantageous upward evolution, He transferred the souls or divine essence of two animals. [^16] In Adam or man, reason predominated; in Eve or woman, feeling was ascendant. Thus was expressed the duality or polarity which underlies the phenomenal worlds. Reason and feeling remain in a heaven of cooperative joy so long as the human mind is not tricked by the serpentine energy of animal propensities.

“God created the human species by using the power of his will to give physical form to man and woman. He gave them the power to create children in a similar ‘immaculate’ or divine way. [^16] Until then, God had expressed himself in individual souls only through animals, bound by instinct and incapable of full reason. Because of these limits, God made the first human bodies, symbolically called Adam and Eve. To help them evolve upward, he transferred the souls or divine essence of two animals into these bodies. [^16] In Adam, or man, reason was dominant. In Eve, or woman, feeling was dominant. This expressed the duality or polarity underlying the worlds of observable existence. Reason and feeling remain in a heaven of shared joy as long as the human mind is not deceived by the serpent-like energy of animal urges.”

“The human body was therefore not solely a result of evolution from beasts, but was produced by an act of special creation by God. The animal forms were too crude to express full divinity; the human being was uniquely given a tremendous mental capacity-the ‘thousand-petaled lotus’ of the brain-as well as acutely awakened occult centers in the spine.

“The human body therefore did not result solely from evolution from animals. God also produced the human body through an act of special creation. Animal forms were too crude to express full divinity. Humans alone were given tremendous mental capacity, the ‘thousand-petaled lotus’ of the brain. Humans were also given highly awakened occult centers in the spine.

“God, or the Divine Consciousness present within the first created pair, counseled them to enjoy all human sensibilities, but not to put their concentration on touch sensations. [^16] These were banned in order to avoid the development of the sex organs, which would enmesh humanity in the inferior animal method of propagation. The warning not to revive subconsciously-present bestial memories was not heeded. Resuming the way of brute procreation, Adam and Eve fell from the state of heavenly joy natural to the original perfect man.

“God, or the Divine Consciousness within the first created pair, advised them to enjoy all human sensations. But they were not to focus on sensations of touch. [^16] These sensations were forbidden to prevent the development of sex organs. Such organs would trap humanity in the inferior animal method of reproduction. Adam and Eve ignored the warning not to reawaken animal memories already present in their subconscious. By returning to animal reproduction, Adam and Eve lost the heavenly joy natural to the original perfect human.

“Knowledge of ‘good and evil’ refers to the cosmic dualistic compulsion. Falling under the sway of maya through misuse of his feeling and reason, or Eve-and Adam-consciousness, man relinquishes his right to enter the heavenly garden of divine self- sufficiency. [^16] The personal responsibility of every human being is to restore his ‘parents’ or dual nature to a unified harmony or Eden.”

“Knowledge of ‘good and evil’ refers to the cosmic force that compels us toward duality. By misusing feeling and reason, or Eve- and Adam-consciousness, a person falls under the control of maya. As a result, that person gives up the right to enter the heavenly garden of divine self-sufficiency. [^16] Every human being is personally responsible for restoring their ‘parents’, or dual nature, to a unified harmony, or Eden.”

As Sri Yukteswar ended his discourse, I glanced with new respect at the pages of Genesis .

As Sri Yukteswar finished speaking, I glanced at the pages of Genesis with new respect.

“Dear Master,” I said, “for the first time I feel a proper filial obligation toward Adam and Eve!”

“Dear Master,” I said, “for the first time I feel a proper sense of duty toward Adam and Eve as their descendant!”

16-1: From astronomical references in ancient Hindu scriptures, scholars have been able to correctly ascertain the dates of the authors. The scientific knowledge of the rishis was very great; in the Kaushitaki Brahmana we find precise astronomical passages which show that in 3100 B.C. the Hindus were far advanced in astronomy, which had a practical value in determining the auspicious times for astrological ceremonies. In an article in East-West , February, 1934, the following summary is given of the Jyotish or body of Vedic astronomical treatises: “It contains the scientific lore which kept India at the forefront of all ancient nations and made her the mecca of seekers after knowledge. The very ancient Brahmagupta , one of the Jyotish works, is an astronomical treatise dealing with such matters as the heliocentric motion of the planetary bodies in our solar system, the obliquity of the ecliptic, the earth’s spherical form, the reflected light of the moon, the earth’s daily axial revolution, the presence of fixed stars in the Milky Way, the law of gravitation, and other scientific facts which did not dawn in the Western world until the time of Copernicus and Newton.”

16-1: Using astronomical references in ancient Hindu scriptures, scholars have correctly determined when the authors lived. The rishis had extensive scientific knowledge. The Kaushitaki Brahmana contains precise astronomical passages showing that Hindus were far advanced in astronomy in 3100 B.C. This knowledge had practical value in determining auspicious times for astrological ceremonies. An article in East-West , February, 1934, gives the following summary of the Jyotish, the collection of Vedic astronomical treatises: “These works contain the scientific knowledge that kept India ahead of all other ancient nations. This knowledge also made India a mecca for seekers of knowledge. The very ancient Brahmagupta , one of the Jyotish works, is a treatise on astronomy. Its subjects include the planets’ motion around the sun, the tilt of the ecliptic, and the earth’s spherical shape. It also covers the moon’s reflected light, the earth’s daily rotation on its axis, and fixed stars in the Milky Way. Further subjects include the law of gravitation and other scientific facts. These facts did not become known in the Western world until the time of Copernicus and Newton.”

It is now well-known that the so-called “Arabic numerals,” without whose symbols advanced mathematics is difficult, came to Europe in the 9th century, via the Arabs, from India, where that system of notation had been anciently formulated. Further light on India’s vast scientific heritage will be found in Dr. P. C. Ray’s History Of Hindu Chemistry, and in Dr. B. N. Seal’s Positive Sciences Of The Ancient Hindus.

It is now well known that the so-called “Arabic numerals” came to Europe from India through the Arabs. Advanced mathematics is difficult without these symbols. The numerals reached Europe in the 9th century, but the system had been developed in India in ancient times. More about India’s vast scientific heritage can be found in Dr. P. C. Ray’s History Of Hindu Chemistry and Dr. B. N. Seal’s Positive Sciences Of The Ancient Hindus.

16-2: The blessing which flows from the mere sight of a saint.

16-2: The blessing that comes from simply seeing a saint.

16-3: One of the girls whom my family selected as a possible bride for me, afterwards married my cousin, Prabhas Chandra Ghose.

16-3: My family chose several girls as possible brides for me. One of them later married my cousin, Prabhas Chandra Ghose.

16-4: A series of thirteen articles on the historical verification of Sri Yukteswar’s Yuga theory appeared in the magazine East-West (Los Angeles) from September, 1932, to September, 1933.

16-4: A series of thirteen articles examined the historical evidence confirming Sri Yukteswar’s Yuga theory. The articles appeared in East-West magazine (Los Angeles) from September 1932 to September 1933.

16-5: In the year A.D. 12,500.

16-5: In A.D. 12,500.

16-6: The Hindu scriptures place the present world-age as occurring within the Kali Yuga of a much longer universal cycle than the simple 24,000-year equinoctial cycle with which Sri Yukteswar was concerned. The universal cycle of the scriptures is 4,300,560,000 years in extent, and measures out a Day of Creation or the length of life assigned to our planetary system in its present form. This vast figure given by the rishis is based on a relationship between the length of the solar year and a multiple of Pi (3.1416, the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle).

16-6: The Hindu scriptures place the present world-age within the Kali Yuga of a much longer universal cycle. This universal cycle is far longer than the simple 24,000-year equinoctial cycle studied by Sri Yukteswar. The scriptures describe a universal cycle lasting 4,300,560,000 years, called a Day of Creation. This cycle measures the lifespan assigned to our planetary system in its present form. The rishis based this vast figure on a relationship between the solar year's length and a multiple of Pi. Pi (3.1416) is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.

The life span for a whole universe, according to the ancient seers, is 314,159,000,000,000 solar years, or “One Age of Brahma.”

According to the ancient seers, an entire universe lasts 314,159,000,000,000 solar years. This span is called “One Age of Brahma.”

Scientists estimate the present age of the earth to be about two billion years, basing their conclusions on a study of lead pockets left as a result of radioactivity in rocks. The Hindu scriptures declare that an earth such as ours is dissolved for one of two reasons: the inhabitants as a whole become either completely good or completely evil. The world-mind thus generates a power which releases the captive atoms held together as an earth.

Scientists estimate that the earth is about two billion years old. They base this estimate on studies of pockets of lead left by radioactivity in rocks. The Hindu scriptures declare that an earth like ours dissolves for one of two reasons. Its inhabitants as a whole become either completely good or completely evil. The world-mind thus generates a power that frees the captive atoms held together to form an earth.

Dire pronouncements are occasionally published regarding an imminent “end of the world.” The latest prediction of doom was given by Rev. Chas. G. Long of Pasadena, who publicly set the “Day of Judgment” for Sept. 21, 1945. United Press reporters asked my opinion; I explained that world cycles follow an orderly progression according to a divine plan. No earthly dissolution is in sight; two billion years of ascending and descending equinoctial cycles are yet in store for our planet in its present form. The figures given by the rishis for the various world ages deserve careful study in the West; the magazine Time (Dec. 17, 1945, p. 6) called them “reassuring statistics.”

Dire predictions are sometimes published about an approaching “end of the world.” The latest prediction of doom came from Rev. Chas. G. Long of Pasadena. He publicly set the “Day of Judgment” for Sept. 21, 1945. United Press reporters asked for my opinion. I explained that world cycles follow an orderly progression according to a divine plan. No destruction of the earth is in sight. Our planet still has two billion years of ascending and descending equinoctial cycles ahead in its present form. The figures the rishis gave for the various world ages deserve careful study in the West. The magazine Time (Dec. 17, 1945, p. 6) called those figures “reassuring statistics.”

16-7: chapter VI:13.

16-7: chapter 6:13.

16-8: “The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.”-Luke 11:34-35.

16-8: “The eye is the light of the body. So when your eye has a single focus, your whole body is also full of light. But when your eye is evil, your body is also full of darkness. So be careful that the light within you is not darkness.”-Luke 11:34-35.

16-9: One of the six systems of Hindu philosophy. Sankhya teaches final emancipation through knowledge of twenty-five principles, starting with prakriti or nature and ending with purusha or soul.

16-9: One of the six systems of Hindu philosophy. Sankhya teaches that final liberation comes through knowledge of twenty-five principles. These principles begin with prakriti or nature and end with purusha or soul.

16-10: Sankhya Aphorisms , I:92.

16-10: Sankhya Aphorisms, I:92.

16-11: Matthew 24:35.

16-11: Matthew 24:35.

16-12: Matthew 12:50.

16-12: Matthew 12:50.

16-13: John 8:31-32. St. John testified: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (even to them who are established in the Christ Consciousness).”-John 1:12.

16-13: John 8:31-32. St. John testified: “But he gave all who received him the power to become sons of God. These are those who believe in his name (those who are established in the Christ Consciousness).” John 1:12.

16-14: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”-Genesis 3:2-3.

16-14: “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden. But God has said you must not eat fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. You must not even touch the fruit, or you will die.”-Genesis 3:2-3.

16-15: “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. The woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”-Gen . 3:12-13.

16-15: “The woman you gave me as a companion gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it. The woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”-Gen . 3:12-13.

16-16: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.”-Gen . 1:27-28.

16-16: “So God created humans in his own image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and bring it under your control.” Gen. 1:27-28.

16-17: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”-Gen . 2:7.

16-17: “And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living soul.”-Gen. 2:7.

16-18: “Now the serpent (sex force) was more subtil than any beast of the field” (any other sense of the body).-Gen . 3:1.

16-18: “Now the serpent (sex force) was more cunning than any wild animal” (any other bodily sense). Gen. 3:1.

16-19: “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.”-Gen . 2:8. “Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.”-Gen . 3:23. The divine man first made by God had his consciousness centered in the omnipotent single eye in the forehead (eastward). The all-creative powers of his will, focused at that spot, were lost to man when he began to “till the ground” of his physical nature.

16-19: “And the Lord God planted a garden in the east, in Eden. There he placed the man he had formed.” Gen. 2:8. “So the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to farm the ground he was taken from.” Gen. 3:23. The divine man God first created had his consciousness centered in the all-powerful single eye in the forehead (eastward). All the creative powers of his will were focused at that spot. But man lost those powers when he began to “till the ground” of his physical nature.