dharmatalks

Today begins the Tibetan year 2137 C.E. – the Year of the Iron-Tiger. Tibetan astrology is derived from the synthesis of Chinese and Indian astrological systems.

Unlike Western astrology, which is based on a solar-cycle, the Tibetan form follows a lunar-based system. Thus, while my birthday would normally be considered February 16th, in the Tibetan system, I was born under the sign of the Water-Tiger.  Rather than celebrating my birthday on February 16th, the Tibetan tradition would celebrate my birthday (more accurately) on the last day of the twelfth lunar month (rgyal) – meaning that my birthday in the Tibetan tradition was at 3:17 PM on Saturday.

From the Buddhist perspective, personality is not of great importance, since one’s personality is a projection of the ego, whose construct the entire “me” concept causes all of our experiences of suffering and attachment. So what value is there in studying astrology?

As one of the five secondary sciences of ancient Tibet, astrology looks beyond simple divination toward a scientific study of time cycles. Recognising what some modern scientists consider to be the “tidal effect” of the lunar cycle on our behaviour and interactions with others, the Tibetan astrologer uses his skills to advise people about various planetary and lunar influences on their day to day activities. It also marks the auspicious times for beginning and ending certain spiritual practices and is linked to the study of Tibetan medicine.

Central to the Tibetan astrological science is an understanding of the Five Individual Forces (vitality, life potential, bodily health, personal power and wind) within each of us. These energies cycle, like all phenomena. When the forces become weak, one can perform certain activities to strengthen or balance them.

The science of astrology comes to us from the Buddha Jam pal (Manjusri), who is the archetypical representation or embodiment of wisdom and insight. it is viewed as a practical method to reduce the uncertainty of the lunar and planetary effects on our bodies.

Join us this evening for our weekly radio show, Talking Dharma, on the BlogTalkRadio Network, where we will be discussing the implications of a new year, strategies for increasing our mindfulness and techniques that we can use to dissolve the hold of the ego mind. The show begins at 9 PM Eastern Time (6 PM PST – or Tuesday 7:30 AM in Dharamsala).

The number to dial-in, if you’d like to share your thoughts, ask questions or comment is +1.347.215.8103.

We’ll look forward to talking with everyone on the show!

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

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“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

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Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.