Introduction

It is not so. Why should we waste the lives of these poor, helpless women in the state of widowhood? The author is likely responding to a critic who used astrological charts to predict widowhood. Due solely to your harsh words, our mother had to accept widowhood for a few days; but then, by God's grace, such good fortune The term used is 'Saubhagya', implying the auspicious state of a woman whose husband is alive. arose that by its glory, we, such learned scholars, were born into this world. Now tell us! Does our mother possess the yoga A specific planetary alignment or 'union' in a birth chart. of widowhood or of good fortune? You are a liar and your readers are liars!

Alas, O Kali Yuga! The 'Age of Vice' or the current dark age in Hindu cosmology, characterized by spiritual decline. Did you have to exert your authority first upon this wonderful jewel? Was your primary enmity with this alone? Yes, your purpose is clear: if you first attack the crown-jewel of the scriptures, then all others will fall under your sway. However, this eternal scripture Referring to Astrology/Jyotish. will not be easily overcome by your assault even in this state; for a short time, to let the influence of the era manifest, the King of Jewels—Astrology—has withdrawn its wings and is waiting. In the end, a jewel remains a jewel.

The reason for the current decline in the authority of Astrology is that the predictions made by astrologers do not prove entirely accurate. This is because the King of Kali began his entry specifically through the astrologers. The ancient Sages Rishis practiced self-restraint and observances Yama and Niyama, performed penance, were moderate in eating, refused unsolicited gifts, practiced Yoga, were masters of all scriptures, studied the Vedas, and performed the daily fire ritual Agnihotra. Because of this, they could speak of the past, future, and present through Samadhi—that is, through one-pointed concentration.

Now, in place of restraint and observances, astrologers have adopted hypocrisy and greed; instead of moderate eating, they consume meat; instead of refusing gifts, they grab everything; instead of practicing Yoga, they focus on amassing wealth and worldly deception; instead of Vedic study, they perform mere rituals for show; instead of penance and sensory control, they are lustful for women; and in place of the sacred fire ritual, they have tobacco. When the "sages" of today have become like this, how can they possess the intellect required for universal scholarship? Without vast knowledge and without self-control, how can they utter miraculous predictions?

When those who trade the sacred Gayatri mantra—the very essence of a Brahmin—for the sake of priestly fees and accept any gift imaginable, how can their intellect remain pure or their words come true? Even if someone puts in the effort to study and gains some scriptural knowledge, they become filled with vanity and envy. In Astrology, much depends on the guidance of a teacher Guru-lakshya; yet out of envy for another's authority, they ignore those secret methods...