Buddhist Astrology

Buddhist astrology bridges familiar astrological thinking with the ideas of karma, interdependence, and impermanence. Within its tenets every psychological state is brought to light; it can be considered spirit-medicine for modern astrology. Glossary.

Astrology is one of the traditional arts and sciences of Tibet, where it is known as "the science of calculation," used by monks and lamas in the study of the rhythms and cycles of time, for divination, for choosing auspicious times for rituals and life-cycle events such as marriages and funerals, and as an adjunct to the practice of traditional medicine. This comprehensive introduction to the topic includes: • Historical roots and influences from China and India as well as the Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and the ancient Bön religion of Tibet • The two main branches of Tibetan astrology: Nagtsi, or "black astrology," based on the Chinese system, and Kartsi, or "white astrology," derived from Indian astrology • The twelve- and sixty-year cycles and the twelve animals and five elements associated with them • The mewa, or magical squares, which are numerological factors used to calculate the auspiciousness of days or years • The parkha, or eight trigrams of the I Ching, representing the elements, directions, seasons, and fundamental universal forces • How to analyze the character of hours, days, months, and years, so as to determine auspicious times for various activities • How to cast and interpret a Tibetan horoscope Also included are numerous diagrams and charts that are indispensable to the practice of Tibetan astrology, including tables for converting Western dates to dates on the Tibetan calendar.

Preface It was certainly the combination of a gigantic landmass, a small population and primarily the nomadic pastoral lifestyle which made the ancient Tibetan’s special awareness of their environment. From time immemorial, our ancestors have closely observed the movements of the Sun, Moon, planets and constellations, and have calculated time based on day, month and seasons. They forcasted the weather based on the nature of the wind, clouds, rainbows, appearance of the flora, behaviour of the fauna and being conscious of microscopic changes in other natural phenomena. These fine observations of nature formed the rich foundation on which Tibetan Astrology was later built upon. Founded on primeval wisdom, by the second century B.C., this had developed into a systematic science — known as one of the 12 Fields of Knowledge of Bön Tradition — alongside medicine and an array of divinatory practices. Over the centuries this fertile base was greatly expanded by the arrival of Buddhist philosophy and Chinese astrology in the seventh century A.D. With the advent of Buddhism, from India came access to the Kālacakra Tantra — a teaching explaining the formation of the universe and living beings — first preached by the Shakyamuni Buddha in 881 B.C. By the 11th century A.D. this complex tantric yoga was fully practiced in Tibet and was soon incorporated by scholars into astrological texts. The history of Tibetan Astrology is a complex, multi-facetted and culturally unique just like the long history of the Tibetan empire. Through the decades of exile in India this tradition has been carefully taught, conserved and practiced by Men-Tsee-Khang — the Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute — alongside its complementary and more widely-known science, Tibetan Medicine. ‘Tibetan Astronomy and Astrology — A Brief Introduction’, first published in 1995 by this institute has reached its eighth edition. With world interest in all facets of Tibet’s religion, history, arts and culture spiraling, it was decided that a more ambitious and comprehensive illustrated book should be produced outlining all fundamental aspects of Tibetan Astrology. We were assigned this project in late 2009 and as our research began to bear fruit, we decided to include in the book the fundamental understanding of the indigenous Ancient Tibetan Astrology, and its interface with the importation of Nag-rTsis (Elemental Astrology) from China and dKar-rTsis (the astrology of Kālacakra and Arising Vowels) from India. This led to the two major indigenous astrology lineages — the Tsurlug and the Phuglug, the latter of which is practiced by Men-Tsee-Khang. Having the origin and authenticity of this, we proceeded by explaining for the beginners the role of astrology in relation with the nine other traditional fields of science — grammar, medicine, logic, arts and crafts, Buddhist philosophy, poetry, synonyms, metrical science and theatrical performance. Tibetan Astrology is an important feature of the Science of Healing and inseparable from the practice of Tibetan Medicine. Since the objective of engaging in the study and practice of Tibetan Astrology is to ensure good fortune and happiness to others, and often to advise remedial measures and protections when obstacles are identified, the final part of the text focuses on explaining the wide range of horoscopes and amulets which are routinely prepared by TMAI’s Astrology Department. The primary motivation of exiles gathered in Dharamshala has been the preservation of Tibet’s religion and culture while we watch our beliefs, practices and way of life being suppressed, sinified, and even erased under China’s occupation of the Tibetan Plateau. Tibetan Medicine and Astrology are key components in ensuring this cultural preservation. With their roots stemming from the understanding and practice of Buddha Dharma, and their ethical focus on the well-being of all sentient life, these ancient sciences can be seen as a precious offering of wisdom and healing to today’s uncertain world. Tenzin Sherab (Astrologer) Tenzin Tsewang Jamling (Astrologer) Men-Tsee-Khang December, 2011

Astrology is one of the traditional arts and sciences of Tibet, used by monks and lamas in the study of the rhythms and cycles of time, for divination, and as an adjunct to the practice of traditional medicine. Here is the first comprehensive introduction to the subject, with practical instructions for casting and interpreting a Tibetan horoscope.

Contributed articles.

Critical study of Śārdūlakarnạ̄vadāna, legend in the Divyāvadāna.