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Upaya (Remedial Measures)
The total of karma garnered over many incarnations is known as Sanchita
(amassed) karma. This is not knowable or readable in the birth chart of any specific
incarnation. The portion of karma that is to be dealt with in a particular lifetime is
known as Prarabdha (fructifying) karma. Prarabdha karma is linked to the concept of
fate. However, human beings have volition, which is known as Kriyamana (initiated)
karma. Humans also have the ability to plan and contemplate actions in the future,
known as Agama (impending) karma.
When an astrologer looks at a natal chart only, it is Prarabdha karma that is
being assessed. Chart patterns should be understood not only in terms of the areas of
life and timing that may be involved but also their intensity. We can understand
Prarabdha karma on three levels. If the chart pattern shows a particular area of life to
be obstructed in a way that is repeated using multiple techniques of analysis, this is a
form of Prarabdha karma known as Dridha (firm) karma. If there are obstructions but
also some influences that are helpful, the situation can be described as Dridha-Adridha
(firm-unfirm) karma. Chart patterns that do not show any clear pattern or direction
for a particular area of life can be described as Adridha (unfirm) karma.
The astrologer should accurately assess the karmic patterns to understand
whether the karma is very firm with respect to an issue. In this way proper remediation
counseling and recommendations can be set forth commensurate with the intensity
of the obstruction indicated.
There is an unending array of upayas, both traditional and contemporary. The
most widespread traditional approaches to remediation involve rituals to connect
with the Divine, the giving of charity in prescribed ways and service (seva) that is usually
specific to the issues in the chart situation.
Yagyas
Most of the religions of India and indeed almost all human societies involve
some kind of ritual. It can be elaborate and performed in a temple or similar setting, or
simple and performed privately between a person and the symbol of the Divine for that
individual. In the Hindu and Vedic tradition, specific rituals (yagyas or yajnas) are at
the heart of the recommendations of the astrologer. Yagyas can be performed on all
scales. Some are mind-boggling pageants rivaling analogous spectacles anywhere in the
world. These were the rituals of ancient times done for kings who embarked on missions
of fame and glory involving power and empires. Even today in India, there are
large-scale ritual performances involving hundreds of priests, elephants, horses, etc.
For most individuals seeking remediation, yagyas are on a different order of
magnitude. However, there is still a wide range of options available. The power of the
yagya increases with the number of repetitions of the sacred sounds prescribed to alleviate
the problem in the chart. Therefore, depending on the intensity of the affliction
and the financial commitment of the person for whom the rite is being performed, a
yagya can last for many days with many priests chanting or take place in a few hours
with one priest responsible for the ritual.
In contemporary times, especially in the West, yagyas are performed without
the person being present. Westerners often arrange to have them done in India
[696] THE ASTROLOGY BOOK