ॐ नमो जगन्नाथाय
There are two primary calculation methods (1) Sāmānya-anugata and (2) Prākrama-anugata. Further, the basic calculation gets modified by reductions (haraṇa) and increase (bharaṇa) which is either (a) kṛta vṛddhikā (allowed modifications) or (b) ākṛta vṛddhikā (modifications disallowed). In this manner we can have four separate results. Maharṣi Parāśara uses the kṛta vṛddhikā and allows both reduction and increase called haraṇa bharaṇa respectively.
We shall discuss the first of the three primary ariṣṭa namely gaṇḍa ariṣṭa. As mentioned in previous lesson on “Longevity Approach”, Ariṣṭa Yogas are combinations that cause sudden or premature death. The Primary Ariṣṭa is classified as
Gaṇḍa ariṣṭa
Graha arista and
Patāki Vedha ariṣṭa
Gaṇḍānta Understanding
There are three gaṇḍa points in the zodiac at the intersection of the water-fire signs. These are at 0°, 120° and 240° of the zodiac.
Scorpio (Jyeṣṭhā nakṣatra) 30° and Sagittarius (Mūlā nakṣatra) 0°, that ends the four day-sign regions of bhuva-loka (antarikṣa) from Leo-Scorpio.
There are three approaches to longevity – Nitya, Anitya and Yoga Āyus approaches. These approaches are based on the longevity as granted by Brahma, Viṣṇu and Śiva through their काल (kāla) manifestations as Prajāpati, Vāsudeva and Rudra respectively.
Praśna Mārga defines six classes of longevity namely (i) Sadyoriṣṭa (immediate death), (ii) Ariṣṭa or Bālāriṣṭa Yoga, (iii) Yogariṣṭa (death within 20 years or 32 years), (iv) Madhya Āyus (32-64, 36-72 or 40-48 years), (v) Dīrgha Āyus (long life) and (vi) Amita Āyus (living beyond death). There are some gaps in this classification. For example, (a) Sadyoriṣṭa is not clearly defined and should be taken as either 1 year or 4 years being the natural years of Moon and Mars. (b) Yogariṣṭa is clubbed with Alpa āyus yoga whereas these are different both in longevity extent and implication.
Death is but another event in the constant existence of the spiritual being. It marks the end of the yoga of life1 and the separation of the soul and consciousness (Atma & Mana) from the body. The physical body is composed of solid (Pṛthvi– Mercury), liquid (Jala – Venus) and gaseous (Vāyu – Saturn) parts, which are ‘alive’ and moving due to energy (Agni – Mars). These tattva are kept in balance and work in perfect harmony due to the intelligence (Ākāśa – Jupiter). Thus, energy symbolized by Mars is the visible sign of life.
Compartments are necessary to aid the systematic estimation of longevity by any rational Jyotiṣa.
There are two approaches to longevity estimation called yoga āyus and daśā āyus respectively. Yoga āyus is based on the planetary combinations and positions in signs and houses whereas daśā āyus is based on the daśās contributing periods for the fructification of karma phala.
All beings incarnate to experience the results of their actions (karma) done in the past incarnation(s). Based on the portion of the saṅcita karma (net balance of karma), the spiritual being (atma) has to incarnate in a physical body to experience the same. The events in life of a particular incarnation, their timing and nature, are predetermined as a learning experience for the Atma.
The teachings of the seers is available in various ancient works that are referred to as Vrddha. The word Vrddha means –
grown , become larger or longer or stronger , increased , augmented , great , large
grown up , full-grown , advanced in years , aged , old , senior (often in comp. with the names of authors , esp. of authors of law-books
to denote either an older recension of their wks. or the wk.
