|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Friday, 14 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Astrology and religion by Malini Peiris No one in our small island knew about the giant killer wave 'Tsunami' in advance. It is definite that no astrologer predicted the catastrophe and we have not heard from any quarter of the world of such exact prediction. May be that the movement of tectonic plates and the activities in the core of the earth do not come within the purview of astrology. We have read novels like 'Last Days of Pompei' and seen films like, 'The Day After Tomorrow', where similar catastrophes are depicted. However, the students of the theory of 'Evolution of Earth' are well aware of the catastrophes that happened on earth at most unpredictable times. It has led to the elimination of various species of fauna and flora from the face of the earth and then given way to new speciation of the forms. The eternal fact we have to understand is that whilst supporting life on its crust, the earth is a burning inferno in its core. The upheavals from the core could be in the form of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. As long as the earth is active in its core, the unpredictable catastrophes will happen. It is not due to the fault or sins of mankind. It is a characteristic of the planet 'Earth'. An eminent scientist has claimed that the earth's rotation on its own axis suffered minutely due to the magnitude of the earthquake which marked 9.0 degrees on Richter scale on that fateful morning of December 26, 2004. As a result the earth rotates a bit faster which is actually negligible. But will this change gradually affect the path or the time it takes to traverse the orbit around the sun? Only time will answer when no living creature today will be alive to realise it. The horoscope or the birth chart is actually the relative multidimensional configuration of planets in our solar system at the time of birth of a human being. He is regarded as the centre or the pivot or even as a new planet on earth. The chart is based on astronomy calculated in degrees in space. With a catastrophes of such magnitude, can we be assured now by the astrologers that our birth charts are the same? Or, do our charts stand to be corrected, even minutely? Will there be any changes to the planetary positions that adorn the 'houses' in our horoscope? Even though it seems a fantasy, we cannot forget the fact that nearly one and a half lakhs of people died immediately afterwards while millions lost everything and became destitute within a matter of hours. Quite apart from the horoscopes and Astrology (not Astronomy), all the religions on earth have a common message to mankind - "Do not indulge in sin; refrain from vicious deeds; have compassion for others". But for people, astrology is more attractive as it is the only way of knowing 'tomorrow'. No one on earth knows what will exactly happen tomorrow. Tsunami disaster proved it. Buddhism which is a philosophy more than a religion offers us an array of great themes. Impermanency of everything on earth; how expeditious should we be in performing good deeds; to achieve more contentment with less wants. The attention of Maha Sangha and the relevant authorities is drawn to the curriculum of the Buddha Dhamma that is taught to children. It should include the verses of 'Loveda Sangarawa', stanzas of 'Maha Mangala Sutraya', 'Karaneeya Meththa Sutraya' and 'Chathusampajanna Bhavana' compulsorily. People when born proceed towards death. According to Buddhism, mankind should refrain from sins as it causes harm to others. We should have compassion and be alert, mindful and cautious in our activities. It is our humble appeal to the Maha Sangha not to resort to superficial preaching of the Dhamma by trying to attract the blind faith of followers and not to indulge in rituals not found or sanctioned in Buddhism. Let us regard it as a great philosophy where people could ask questions and get the correct answers before accepting the statements on Dhamma. People should not be drawn into unproductive debates or go astray with blind faith. Every religion on earth is meant to pacify its followers whose minds are in turmoil with daily burdens. Religions should not sow hatred among people or engage in demeaning activities. Finally, let us come to terms with the nature of the earth. Let us live on this planet for the brief period it is, in a simple, contented manner. Then we will not lose much in a catastrophe. But, gain the supreme bliss of 'Peace on Earth'. To conclude this series of 'Tsunami Afterthoughts', I wish to re-write the popular unity song 'This land belongs ....' to say that, 'This land belongs to Sea |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
