The Rule of Retrograde Motion and the Lineage of Sages

Regarding the rules for retrograde motion Vakra-vidhioriginal: vakra-vidhi; the mathematical procedures used to calculate the apparent backward movement of planets in the sky and the solar-based positions, the values are stated as: 32 18 55 8 3105. These are proclaimed for the accomplishment of calculations in the city of Shivanapura?, by which all planetary movements are determined. 51.

The essence of the truth is not found simply in the Vakraretrograde movement itself, but in the precise calculations made over long periods. This cycle of retrograde motion Vakra-chakraoriginal: vakra-cakram; the "wheel" or geometric model used to predict the loops a planet makes is ancient and divine. 52.

The internal difference in Dharmahere meaning "natural law" or "properties" is the root. If you speak of the ancient external traditions, everything is refined and clarified through them, as is well known to all people. 53. Here, the fruit of liberation is seen even without the specific words of Shiva, by correctly establishing the root through the science of Nidishastraoriginal: nidiśāstra; likely a reference to a specific school of directional or positional science. 54.

The Lineage of Authorities

The independent sciences were spoken of by the Sun and other gods and sages. Specifically, the power of Kamalabhavaanother name for Brahma, the Creator, who is "born from the lotus" and the root of the Shaktareferring to the system of the Goddess or primordial power traditions are known to those skilled in these rules. 53.

The following sages and gods have carried this knowledge:

• Brahma (The Creator)
• Narada
• Saunaka
• Mandavya
• Vasistha
• Surya (The Sun God)

I have received this knowledge through their lineage. 54. Having abandoned any reasoning that contradicts the settled scriptures Agamasrevealed scriptures, one should follow what is properly established. To do otherwise is to rely on false speech. Why seek elsewhere when the Sun is the supreme authority? Just as a woman without ears cannot perceive sound, a system without the Sun is diminished; the Sun is indeed the highest authority. 55.

Furthermore, this path is accepted by Shiva original: Hara. Having taken up this path of the self, the sages describe it in the world; this scripture is indeed wondrous. 56. Through the different forms of the self, such as the Sun and the Creator, and despite the differences in the schools of Brahma and the Sun original: arka, the same truth is expressed. 57.

Variations Over Great Ages

In every age Yugaa vast epoch of time, the position of the great sages is stated. But why is there a difference? It is because of the different forms of the Creator. 58. Because there are differences in time Kalabhedaoriginal: kālabheda; the concept that astronomical parameters change slightly over millions of years, requiring updated observations, this "Cycle of Sight" Aloki-chakraperhaps a reference to an observational instrument or a specific planetary table is now calculated for the sake of accurate results. 59.

In the mathematical treatises Siddhanta Ganitaoriginal: siddhānta gaṇita; the branch of Indian astronomy dealing with theoretical calculations, those who know time see that when the Sun's position and the retrograde position are equal, there is no difference. How then can there be a dispute between the two? 60. Even if there is a difference in the Kalpaan aeon lasting 4.32 billion years, no difference is seen in the steady observation of the object. As the sacred texts Shrutirevelation say: "The truth is one." 61.

Where there is evidence and where there is a mixing of systems, it should be accepted. Therefore, there is no dispute among the learned. 62. The Sun is the lamp of all scriptures. According to the words of the Sun himself, there is no difference for the one who knows time. 63.

Because of the revolution of the Yugas, there is not only a difference in time, but also a difference in the movement of the stars. This is the difference known to the chronologists. 74. The "Solar Convention" original: saura saṅketa is used to explain the differences in the count of days. Those who know the solar science explain the causes of this in the great Aeon Kalpa. 75.