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Yoga astrological combination Commentary 1 Yoga Vision

Thus, through the combined application of human efforts Puruṣakāra; the exertion of will and action and the knowledge of auspicious and inauspicious periods, one understands the timing of success. If an auspicious period is identified, one should undertake the expedition Yātrā; a formal march or military campaign; if inauspicious, one should refrain. This is explained in detail through the three-fold division of the science. As it is said: "When the influence of malefic planets is neutralized, the king attains the gate of victory." Likewise, through omens Nimitta; signs or portents indicating good or bad fortune, one should judge the journey.

Signs of success include: white mustard seeds, siddhārthaka, the sight of a vessel filled with water, a mirror, a fly-whisk, a parasol, a throne, a banner, or a vessel overflowing with curd, honey, or ghee. Other auspicious sights include: a white bull, flowers, a cow with its calf, fish, a twice-born Brahmin, a courtesan, or a person dressed in fine garments. Fire that is bright and smokeless, elephants, horses, and the sound of pleasant music are also favorable. Various gems like emeralds, rubies, and pearls, if seen or obtained, signify that the king will conquer the entire earth. Conversely, the howling of a jackal is considered an ill omen. Thus, in the science of expeditions, these signs are described. It is said: "If at the time of inquiry Prashna the mind is pleasant, the earth is firm, and the omens are favorable, the astrologer should predict victory." Just as a horoscope Jātaka reveals the fruits of one's past deeds through the positions of the planets, so too should the king consider all factors—human effort and divine timing—before setting out.

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That Effort Self State Great External This

One might ask: "If success or failure is determined by fate Daiva, what is the use of human effort?" To this, it is replied: Action Karma and effort are intertwined. Success does not come from fate alone, nor from effort alone. A king must consult an astrologer and then exert himself. What we call "Fate" is actually the result of auspicious or inauspicious actions performed in a previous life Prāktana-karma.

The text here explores the classic Indian philosophical debate: Is destiny fixed, or can effort change it?

If one has performed good deeds in the past, they manifest as "Good Luck" in this life. However, even with good fate, one must act. Just as a field, even if fertile, requires a farmer to sow seeds to produce a harvest, so too does fate require human action to bear fruit. It is not by human effort alone, nor by fate alone, but by the union of both that success is established. Therefore, the king should not abandon effort. He should rely on human exertion while being guided by the favorable disposition of time and stars.

Now, regarding the attainment of results, it is said: "Even if a king is powerful and possesses all resources, if he is opposed by fate, his efforts may leak away like water from a broken pot." Therefore, one must balance the strength of his ministers, the timing of the season, and the favor of the heavens.