WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.700 Hi everyone, welcome to Vedic Astrology Study 00:00:02.700 --> 00:00:06.580 Podcast. Through this medium, I cover a breadth 00:00:06.580 --> 00:00:09.320 of some basic principles and analysis of the 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:13.140 beautiful ancient science of Jyotish. Gifted 00:00:13.140 --> 00:00:16.899 to humanity by wise ancient seers of India, typically 00:00:16.899 --> 00:00:19.000 there are playlists of different kinds with case 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:21.559 studies to have a practical grounding of those 00:00:21.559 --> 00:00:24.399 principles. In this series which will become 00:00:24.399 --> 00:00:26.940 a part of the Panchanga playlist, I am covering 00:00:26.940 --> 00:00:30.179 the science of Muhurta or the timing of events, 00:00:30.960 --> 00:00:33.560 activities, dietary control, tuning your attitude 00:00:33.560 --> 00:00:36.420 to any given day of the month since this is a 00:00:36.420 --> 00:00:40.259 lunar calendar. As per Vedic astrology, the human 00:00:40.259 --> 00:00:42.420 being should regulate their daily activities 00:00:42.420 --> 00:00:46.189 in alignment with the lunar cycle. and the corresponding 00:00:46.189 --> 00:00:49.630 tithi of the day. You might say this is the beginning 00:00:49.630 --> 00:00:52.670 of the use of science of Jyotish consciously, 00:00:53.009 --> 00:00:56.750 with awareness and in full view of self and this 00:00:56.750 --> 00:01:00.729 space -time reality we find ourselves in. Since 00:01:00.729 --> 00:01:03.070 this deals with your everyday cycle of energies 00:01:03.070 --> 00:01:06.269 that each of us deals with on a daily basis, 00:01:06.469 --> 00:01:08.629 it's a good beginning point to start Jyotish 00:01:08.629 --> 00:01:11.909 which Panchanga studied first, before you get 00:01:11.909 --> 00:01:15.219 to the charts part. If you do not know what your 00:01:15.219 --> 00:01:17.140 current tithi is, where you are on the planet, 00:01:17.340 --> 00:01:20.060 you can download the Jyotish app, which is indicated 00:01:20.060 --> 00:01:23.480 on the slide with its logo on android or iphone 00:01:23.480 --> 00:01:26.680 store. Download it, set its location to wherever 00:01:26.680 --> 00:01:30.040 you are on the planet. Then click on mahurta 00:01:30.040 --> 00:01:32.519 and panchanga part as is shown on the slide, 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:35.640 and it will tell you the current panchanga aspects, 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:39.239 the tithi, the vara, the karada, yoga and nakshatra, 00:01:39.579 --> 00:01:41.939 which is typically where moon is transiting over. 00:01:42.740 --> 00:01:45.959 Then use these series as a study material to 00:01:45.959 --> 00:01:48.819 guide your daily activities, diet, attitude for 00:01:48.819 --> 00:01:52.719 any given day. The way I shall cover each tithi 00:01:52.719 --> 00:01:55.379 here begins with the element and deity followed 00:01:55.379 --> 00:01:57.980 by the energy of the day, what to do, what to 00:01:57.980 --> 00:02:01.859 avoid, suggested mindset, elementary, dietary 00:02:01.859 --> 00:02:04.739 consideration and the content is covered both 00:02:04.739 --> 00:02:07.420 for Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha tithis. 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:10.360 For the basics of this, see the previous tithi 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:13.819 videos in this playlist. Let's get started. Now 00:02:13.819 --> 00:02:16.460 let's look at 8th tithi of Ashtami. On the pie 00:02:16.460 --> 00:02:19.439 chart there, it is marked. On the Shukla side, 00:02:19.719 --> 00:02:23.280 the waxing side, is Shukla Ashtami. And on the 00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:26.439 Krishna side, it is Krishna Ashtami. It's a Jaya 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:29.620 tithi. The second one after the third one. This 00:02:29.620 --> 00:02:33.340 tiny box you can read out there. Tridya was the 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:36.259 first, this is the second of the Jaya Tithis, 00:02:36.400 --> 00:02:39.699 victory and success. And the last one being the 00:02:39.699 --> 00:02:42.139 Trayodashi, both on the Krishna side and the 00:02:42.139 --> 00:02:45.659 Shukla side. So what's the general energies of 00:02:45.659 --> 00:02:49.280 this particular Tithi? Ashtami, number eight. 00:02:50.259 --> 00:02:53.479 Ashtami, the energetic quality, is a Jaya Tithi 00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:58.009 which bestows forceful, victorious energy. However, 00:02:58.229 --> 00:03:01.689 the nature of this victory is often through intensity 00:03:01.689 --> 00:03:05.310 and transformation. Think of the 8th house, think 00:03:05.310 --> 00:03:09.430 Scorpio in natal chart, isn't it? You have to 00:03:09.430 --> 00:03:11.669 understand that everything in Vedic astrology 00:03:11.669 --> 00:03:15.770 is numerological, it's mathematical and it's 00:03:15.770 --> 00:03:18.610 precise and it has got a pattern of correlation. 00:03:19.530 --> 00:03:22.129 Once you begin the study, systematic study of 00:03:22.129 --> 00:03:24.270 this, which I hope to get in this channel with 00:03:24.270 --> 00:03:28.180 whatever I have done and to come, It will give 00:03:28.180 --> 00:03:30.860 the student or one who is interested in learning 00:03:30.860 --> 00:03:34.120 a broader view of how one thing ties to the other 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:37.400 it invariably does in Vedic Astrology, so far 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:40.860 what I have seen with my studies. The number 00:03:40.860 --> 00:03:44.139 8 has significance in many traditions as a point 00:03:44.139 --> 00:03:47.000 of power and indeed Ashtami is known for its 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:49.919 fierce and transformative qualities. Look at 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:53.120 the Shakti involved. It's the goddess energy 00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:57.439 of divine feminine in its fierce form. The presiding 00:03:57.439 --> 00:04:00.800 deities are Vasus. The eight Vasus are the elemental 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:04.120 gods. Now we are talking at an elemental level, 00:04:04.280 --> 00:04:07.460 not at the human level, which tie this day to 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:11.620 natural forces, material prosperity. Notably, 00:04:11.699 --> 00:04:14.180 in the Vedic tradition, two divine births occurred 00:04:14.180 --> 00:04:17.379 on Ashtami. Lord Krishna, first of all, Janma 00:04:17.379 --> 00:04:19.939 Ashtami it is called, Sravana Krishna Ashtami, 00:04:20.779 --> 00:04:23.279 which comes in the Sravana month, in August, 00:04:23.639 --> 00:04:27.560 usually every month. And then there is, on the 00:04:27.560 --> 00:04:30.879 eastern side of India, there is Goddess Durga, 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:35.100 heavily celebrated in Bengal, which is Shukla 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:37.480 Ashtami during Navaratri, which is going on now, 00:04:37.579 --> 00:04:41.160 or just finished. We have crossed the Shera, 00:04:41.220 --> 00:04:44.759 so yeah, we are going towards Diwali. These events 00:04:44.759 --> 00:04:48.000 highlight spiritual potency of Ashtami. It is 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:51.339 considered a day when the divine energy intervenes 00:04:51.339 --> 00:04:54.819 powerfully in the world. Look, you have to bring 00:04:54.819 --> 00:04:59.420 in Shaktis, Devi or Devata Shaktis, in whatever 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:03.240 way is needed for your life. It's a selective 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:07.180 approach to take the energy that is divine, that 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:11.540 is consciousness, and apply it specifically coordinated 00:05:11.540 --> 00:05:14.939 with your timing. The science of Vedic Astrology 00:05:14.939 --> 00:05:17.379 is called Hora Shastra, the science of timing. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:22.100 And more than anything else, this form of Electional 00:05:22.100 --> 00:05:28.250 Astrology is all about timing your events. Back 00:05:28.250 --> 00:05:30.810 to Ashtami. These events highlight spiritual 00:05:30.810 --> 00:05:33.730 potency of Ashtami. It is considered a day when 00:05:33.730 --> 00:05:36.350 divine energy intervenes powerfully in the world. 00:05:36.949 --> 00:05:40.069 Ashtami carries high Shakti, power, especially 00:05:40.069 --> 00:05:43.009 divine feminine power. You might say it's like 00:05:43.009 --> 00:05:46.230 the Rudra form of the feminine, like Durga, like 00:05:46.230 --> 00:05:50.430 Kali. It is a titi born of celebration and discipline 00:05:50.430 --> 00:05:53.829 often involving fasting and intense spiritual 00:05:53.829 --> 00:05:57.910 practice in the living Vedic traditions of India. 00:05:58.569 --> 00:06:01.269 Janmashtami, fasting till midnight, till Lord 00:06:01.269 --> 00:06:04.470 Krishna was born. Durga Ashtami, fasting and 00:06:04.470 --> 00:06:09.209 worship during Navaratri, the nine nights. The 00:06:09.209 --> 00:06:12.589 atmosphere of Ashtami can be described as vibrant, 00:06:13.069 --> 00:06:17.110 intense and result -oriented. If you want to 00:06:17.110 --> 00:06:20.009 delve into it, and I have quite a bit, and I 00:06:20.009 --> 00:06:21.930 have a resonance with Divine Feminine, I must 00:06:21.930 --> 00:06:25.389 tell you that the Deva Shaktis, let's say you 00:06:25.389 --> 00:06:29.589 go to Shiva or Vishnu, they are much more milder 00:06:29.589 --> 00:06:31.730 than if you go to the Shakti energies. Divine 00:06:31.730 --> 00:06:36.569 Feminine takes no prisoners. She is out there. 00:06:36.569 --> 00:06:39.610 She is out there getting stuff. Just like the 00:06:39.610 --> 00:06:42.110 little embodifications of Feminine we have called 00:06:42.110 --> 00:06:45.569 women, are very active, you see, compared to 00:06:45.569 --> 00:06:49.449 the male principle. Males are generally passive, 00:06:49.569 --> 00:06:51.790 if you see it from the consciousness perspective. 00:06:51.870 --> 00:06:54.050 They are more peaceful, they are more Shiva -like. 00:06:54.889 --> 00:06:58.129 So this is a very vibrant, intense, result -oriented 00:06:58.129 --> 00:07:02.670 Shakti energy on Ashtami. Therefore, it is encouraging 00:07:02.670 --> 00:07:05.629 works of courage, strategy and quick success 00:07:05.629 --> 00:07:08.550 on this day. It is not mild, it is not the easy 00:07:08.550 --> 00:07:11.490 -going type, but it is auspicious, more warrior 00:07:11.490 --> 00:07:14.759 -like. Many people consider us to be somewhat 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:18.120 hard energy for casual events because this is 00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:22.579 not a casual energy, simple. Defense recommended 00:07:22.579 --> 00:07:26.379 activities now. Defense security and conflict 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:30.339 resolution. Ashtami's Jaya energy, Jaya Amitvictory, 00:07:30.660 --> 00:07:33.759 is great for tackling adversaries or competition. 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:36.680 It's an auspicious time for fortification and 00:07:36.680 --> 00:07:39.899 defense type of activities. For example, strengthening 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:41.899 one's business position against competitors, 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:45.339 implementing security measures at home, or even 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:48.300 military game exercises, military strategies, 00:07:48.699 --> 00:07:52.839 so on. In personal life, you need to confront 00:07:52.839 --> 00:07:55.459 an issue or a competitor. Ashtami gives you that 00:07:55.459 --> 00:07:58.889 upper hand. of course you have to be ethical 00:07:58.889 --> 00:08:01.850 there debates and legal battles initiated or 00:08:01.850 --> 00:08:04.629 fought can be good on ashtami in your favor provided 00:08:04.629 --> 00:08:08.850 you have truth on your side durga goddess durga 00:08:08.850 --> 00:08:13.750 is going in for the truth protection of the truth 00:08:13.750 --> 00:08:17.089 destruction of the shadow you might say construction 00:08:17.089 --> 00:08:21.180 and crafts is another good day on ashtami The 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:23.560 classic texts say Ashtami is good for architecture, 00:08:23.839 --> 00:08:26.420 construction and craft related activities. This 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:30.120 implies it's a productive day to work on building 00:08:30.120 --> 00:08:34.539 projects or hands -on type of activity or projects. 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:38.179 Perhaps the focus and stamina are high, therefore 00:08:38.179 --> 00:08:40.539 you have to accomplish a lot of tasks. If you're 00:08:40.539 --> 00:08:42.860 building something, physically or metaphorically, 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:46.899 Ashtami helps solidify it. Remember. Always check 00:08:46.899 --> 00:08:50.340 the illumination. Now we are going across to 00:08:50.340 --> 00:08:52.360 the middle point of Saptami. So we are going 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:55.460 towards full waxing or towards full waning. So 00:08:55.460 --> 00:08:58.960 the energy gets quite intense as you move towards 00:08:58.960 --> 00:09:01.679 the new moon, Amavasya or towards the full moon. 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:06.919 Sports and physical challenges. Ashtami favors 00:09:06.919 --> 00:09:10.500 sports, physical training and competition. Think 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:13.320 Tritiya. You started Tritiya. First Jaya was 00:09:13.320 --> 00:09:16.679 in Tritiya. Tithi, now we have come to Ashtami, 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:19.159 the second of that, which is more intense than 00:09:19.159 --> 00:09:22.720 Trithya. The body's energy and reflexes may be 00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:25.399 heightened, athletes might perform well on this 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:28.480 day and one can push their personal limits of 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:32.019 power. It's a good day to strive for personal 00:09:32.019 --> 00:09:35.600 bests in the gym or on the field or if you are 00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:39.519 participating in game or athletics or race. Another 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:42.440 good activity on Ashtami is business and financial 00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:46.100 deals. It is listed as auspicious for commencing 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:49.379 business activities. If you want a venture to 00:09:49.379 --> 00:09:52.019 have a winning drive, so to speak, start on an 00:09:52.019 --> 00:09:55.120 ashtemy. It can be beneficial. It's also good 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:57.460 for buying gems and jewellery. I am never much 00:09:57.460 --> 00:10:00.659 of a fan of this because it has become a racket 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:04.419 of jewellers just selling lots of metal and stones. 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:08.019 Consciousness is you and me as consciousness. 00:10:08.330 --> 00:10:11.570 are far more than any sticks and stones. Therefore, 00:10:11.590 --> 00:10:14.090 I am not a fan of just selling gems and jewelry. 00:10:15.490 --> 00:10:18.610 Deals requiring bold decisions or negotiations 00:10:18.610 --> 00:10:21.269 might reach successful conclusion on this day. 00:10:22.090 --> 00:10:24.470 Another good activity is dancing and performing 00:10:24.470 --> 00:10:27.029 arts. Look, you are finding a trend, isn't it? 00:10:27.090 --> 00:10:30.250 If you are really learning this stuff, between 00:10:30.250 --> 00:10:32.710 the third and eighth there is a commonality. 00:10:34.129 --> 00:10:36.169 Interestingly, dance is specifically mentioned 00:10:36.169 --> 00:10:39.730 among auspicious activities. for Ashtami. Ashtami 00:10:39.730 --> 00:10:42.330 can channel creative expression with intensity. 00:10:43.009 --> 00:10:45.450 So performing arts like dance, drama or any art 00:10:45.450 --> 00:10:48.809 that involves vigor and precision like martial 00:10:48.809 --> 00:10:51.669 art demonstrations or energetic music performances 00:10:51.669 --> 00:10:55.809 or these days you have the zumba or even tango 00:10:55.809 --> 00:10:58.629 or even tai chi. Tai chi is more mild. Think 00:10:58.629 --> 00:11:02.789 bold expressions. If you're an artist, use Ashtami's 00:11:02.789 --> 00:11:05.590 expression or inspiration to work on something 00:11:05.590 --> 00:11:10.179 that requires deep emotive physical power or 00:11:10.179 --> 00:11:14.500 technical skill. Spiritual practices of ritual 00:11:14.500 --> 00:11:16.659 power are also good on this day because it's 00:11:16.659 --> 00:11:19.820 Durga Shakti. Ashtami is extremely potent for 00:11:19.820 --> 00:11:22.559 spiritual pursuits, especially those involving 00:11:22.559 --> 00:11:26.120 Tantra Sadhana or Devi Shakti Sadhana or Divine 00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:30.460 Feminine Energy or Fierce Devotion. Think Lalita 00:11:30.460 --> 00:11:32.480 Sahasranamaya. I have already made a whole series 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:38.700 on it if you want to listen. In Ashwin is Maha 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:41.139 Ashtami, one of the peak days of Durga Navaratri, 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:45.399 when devotees perform intense prayers to Goddess 00:11:45.399 --> 00:11:48.320 Durga in the form of Chamundi or Maha Gauri. 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:51.019 Similarly, Krishna Pakshana Ashtami in Bhadrapada 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:54.220 is Janma Ashtami, celebrated with a day -long 00:11:54.220 --> 00:11:57.399 fast and night vigil for Lord Krishna's birth. 00:11:57.559 --> 00:12:01.860 This is a very ancient culture. This is the only 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:04.860 one of its kind on the planet, which has still 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:08.779 preserved all its tradition. To a greater or 00:12:08.779 --> 00:12:11.679 lesser degree, that's different. So you have 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:14.379 to study the entire Vedic tradition as a package. 00:12:14.559 --> 00:12:16.940 You can't separate things and find out one piece 00:12:16.940 --> 00:12:18.899 here, one piece there, and say this is right 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:21.240 and that is wrong. That would be seriously a 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:24.779 foolish error. Anyway, back to ashtami. Is ideal 00:12:24.779 --> 00:12:28.220 for intensive prayer, fasting, tantric sadhana, 00:12:29.159 --> 00:12:31.259 everything tantric is Devi Shakti by the way, 00:12:31.440 --> 00:12:34.639 and connected with divine power. If you want 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:40.259 to undertake a strong vrata or a vow or not just 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:42.659 necessarily of chastity and stuff like that but 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:46.259 strong disciplinary vows like let's say you want 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:48.600 to diet and you want to start on this day say 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:51.740 okay I'm going to decide so and so and so make 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:54.799 a list make intention and start it. Ashtami is 00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:58.179 a good day. Initiate a transformative spiritual 00:12:58.179 --> 00:13:01.059 practice like starting to chant a powerful mantra 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:05.559 of course in Lalitha Sastranama Ashtami is highlighted 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:08.769 if you want to look that up. doing Homa or fire 00:13:08.769 --> 00:13:11.990 ceremony for protection in the house if there 00:13:11.990 --> 00:13:15.809 is lot of dead energy in the house in your house 00:13:15.809 --> 00:13:17.889 and it is not surprising this day people carry 00:13:17.889 --> 00:13:22.429 all kinds of energy now do a fire ceremony the 00:13:22.429 --> 00:13:25.750 way a fire ceremony clears all this nonsensical 00:13:25.750 --> 00:13:28.649 energies in the house is best to bring in Agni 00:13:28.649 --> 00:13:31.990 there and do it on an Ashtami day it is supported 00:13:31.990 --> 00:13:37.009 it will multiply 8 times so to speak activities 00:13:37.009 --> 00:13:39.850 to avoid, ashtami's energy, while auspicious 00:13:39.850 --> 00:13:43.169 for many things, is not gentle. Therefore, generally 00:13:43.169 --> 00:13:46.889 not chosen for peaceful, family -oriented, auspicious 00:13:46.889 --> 00:13:50.269 ceremonies like marriages or baby showers. Many 00:13:50.269 --> 00:13:53.289 consider ashtami too sharp or intense. It's like 00:13:53.289 --> 00:13:55.830 taking a knife and cutting across things. But 00:13:55.830 --> 00:13:59.370 typically, Hindu marriage muhurta avoid ashtami 00:13:59.370 --> 00:14:02.789 because of its warlike undertone. Avoid scheduling 00:14:02.789 --> 00:14:06.460 weddings on ashtami. Also, traveling on Ashtami 00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:10.080 can be okay, but if it's a leisure trip. Be mindful 00:14:10.080 --> 00:14:13.620 that things might get intense. Try and avoid, 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:16.500 I would say. If Ashtami falls on a Sunday or 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:20.779 a Monday, it might be a bad combination. Another 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:23.919 thing to avoid is legal contracts or peace treaties. 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:26.659 Say, this is a warrior -like energy. In the middle 00:14:26.659 --> 00:14:29.480 of the war, you can't call peace. Something like 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:32.080 that. It will be contradictory. If you are in 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:34.679 a position of strength, Jayatiti ensures a winner 00:14:34.679 --> 00:14:37.639 and a loser. So if you are compromising on Ashtami, 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:39.940 you might be inadvertently put yourself on the 00:14:39.940 --> 00:14:44.200 losing side. Don't start something that requires 00:14:44.200 --> 00:14:46.980 very calm, nourishing and diplomatic atmosphere 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:49.980 and energies. It's the energies of the day, folks. 00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:52.620 Muhurta is the science of energies of the day. 00:14:55.379 --> 00:15:01.009 The war of Mahabharata began on Ashtami. Suggested 00:15:01.009 --> 00:15:06.429 mindset for this day is determined courage, spiritually 00:15:06.429 --> 00:15:08.909 attuned, that sort of an energy. Embrace your 00:15:08.909 --> 00:15:12.269 inner warrior and worship on Ashtami. Tune into 00:15:12.269 --> 00:15:15.129 Durga, tune into Kali, tune into Goddess Lalita. 00:15:15.309 --> 00:15:19.250 All feminine, intense energies. This day to be 00:15:19.250 --> 00:15:21.490 bold and fearless in pursuit of what is right. 00:15:22.090 --> 00:15:25.799 A disciplined and focused mind. Many people find 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:28.240 their concentration is sharp and honest to me. 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:31.960 So it is ideal directed towards your goals. You 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:34.600 might say this tithi is the amplification of 00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:38.220 the third one, the tritya. At the same time maintain 00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:41.940 moral clarity. Something lacking in these day 00:15:41.940 --> 00:15:43.879 and age. Everybody is running out of money and 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:48.419 bank accounts. So channel Krishna's righteousness. 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:51.279 Krishna is the epitome of righteousness. He tried 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:55.149 to stop all the war and fighting. Ironically, 00:15:56.970 --> 00:15:59.570 keep faith that higher powers support you. Great 00:15:59.570 --> 00:16:02.470 mindset is a devotional fervour. Mix your worldly 00:16:02.470 --> 00:16:06.029 efforts with prayer. For example, before an important 00:16:06.029 --> 00:16:08.490 task, take the moment to involve Durga or Krishna 00:16:08.490 --> 00:16:12.549 or your Ishta Devata, the one God that you kind 00:16:12.549 --> 00:16:14.830 of resonate with. There are lots of them in Vedic 00:16:14.830 --> 00:16:18.710 tradition. Pick your one which you are most resonate 00:16:18.710 --> 00:16:22.029 with, that is Ishta Devata. This synergy of human 00:16:22.029 --> 00:16:24.610 effort and divine grace is potent on this day. 00:16:25.129 --> 00:16:28.090 If you're fasting or spiritual practices be resilient. 00:16:29.370 --> 00:16:32.929 This day Shakti can help you go beyond your usual 00:16:32.929 --> 00:16:37.009 limits. Try to ride the wave of intensity rather 00:16:37.009 --> 00:16:39.570 than suppress it. Nothing can be suppressed on 00:16:39.570 --> 00:16:42.509 this day. It wants to go out and get stuff done 00:16:42.509 --> 00:16:46.549 in a very aggressive way this day. Practicing 00:16:46.549 --> 00:16:51.019 introspection still on my second cup of tea, 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:53.820 is also recommended. Asthma can bring subconscious 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:58.000 things to the surface. Half waning moon can stir 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:01.299 hidden emotions on the Krishna side of it. We 00:17:01.299 --> 00:17:05.299 shall see the details further on. So, advice 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:10.279 is to witness any inner turmoil and direct it 00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:13.500 to transformation, like fasting. Give a little 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:16.700 less food to the body and bring it more towards 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:21.900 your breath and mind. and observe joy and ferocity 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:26.619 in your mindset is as appropriate as can be take 00:17:26.619 --> 00:17:28.539 it in the context of what is appearing in your 00:17:28.539 --> 00:17:32.259 life lastly maintain respect for cosmic power 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:38.119 humble yourself before divine mothers okay diet 00:17:38.119 --> 00:17:41.839 recommended diet now from the ayurvedic perspective 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:44.140 ashtami often comes with traditions of fasting 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:48.009 special diet Fasting. Many people on Shukla and 00:17:48.009 --> 00:17:50.549 Krishnastami for religious reasons took fasting. 00:17:50.990 --> 00:17:54.470 Durga Ashtami for example or Janmashtami. The 00:17:54.470 --> 00:17:57.150 day Durga was born, the day Krishna was born. 00:17:58.309 --> 00:18:01.910 Kanya Puja or girl worship also is done. She 00:18:01.910 --> 00:18:04.089 is the divine representative in a junior form, 00:18:04.329 --> 00:18:07.009 isn't it? They make things like Suji Halwa or 00:18:07.009 --> 00:18:12.809 Kala Chana, that is black Indian chickpeas. And 00:18:12.809 --> 00:18:16.660 Puri, offered to the Goddess. Janmashtami devotees 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:19.859 typically fast all day long and break the fast 00:18:19.859 --> 00:18:23.660 until midnight when Krishna was born. So plan 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:26.720 wisely for fast. Traditional fasting foods for 00:18:26.720 --> 00:18:29.740 Ashtami might include dairy, milk, yogurts, fruits 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:33.500 and nuts. And certain root vegetables like potato 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:37.039 or sweet potato. Flours like buckwheat or water 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:40.900 chestnut. Flour to make permissible dishes. There 00:18:40.900 --> 00:18:43.079 is a specific regime if you want to look that 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:47.400 up. If not fasting fully, consider light meals. 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:50.519 See, the energy is too strong. If you keep loading 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:52.779 up your body with food, it's not going to help, 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:55.940 isn't it? You need to be light on your tummy 00:18:55.940 --> 00:18:58.200 in order to move with this day's energy. It's 00:18:58.200 --> 00:19:01.339 that simple, folks. Instead, stick to fresh fruits, 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:04.619 milk, yogurt, nuts, simple vegetable dishes and 00:19:04.619 --> 00:19:07.519 non -grain flour. These provide nourishment without 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:10.380 dulling the mind. When the energy of the day 00:19:10.380 --> 00:19:14.299 is putting you on a Running path, you want to 00:19:14.299 --> 00:19:16.700 say I want to take a slow day and rest? I mean 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:20.619 how is that going to help? Spices, less spices, 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:24.019 don't make it more spicy, you are exciting, already 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:27.319 fiery part of this day. Supportive foods are, 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:30.440 think complex carbs and proteins, quinoa, millet, 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:32.880 instead of refined rice and legumes like moong 00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:37.240 dal, that's easier to digest. Also, incorporate 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:42.940 iron rich foods, greens, jaggery, etc. You might 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:46.039 also think of having chamomile tea and that kind 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:50.380 of a thing to calm the energy down It's thinking 00:19:50.380 --> 00:19:53.920 it's Understand this as you are being calm in 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:57.920 the middle of a storm Okay, ashtami you have 00:19:57.920 --> 00:20:00.019 to guide yourself obviously, but you have to 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:02.200 do certain things in a calm manner something 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:05.720 like a cat They are calm, but they're extremely 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:10.740 attentive avoid heavy foods and Oily sweets. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:14.319 Typical. Avoid meat, eggs, alcohol. Generally 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:16.220 speaking, avoid it all together or anything. 00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:19.380 Avoid caffeinated beverages so that you can keep 00:20:19.380 --> 00:20:21.940 your nerves calm. Too much caffeine or coffee 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:23.960 or Starbucks will get you all wired up, which 00:20:23.960 --> 00:20:27.900 you can't handle. Post -fast meal. Whether at 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:30.859 midnight or Janmashtami or evening of Durgashtami, 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:33.619 breaking a meal, something should be easily digestible. 00:20:33.720 --> 00:20:35.980 Everything should be easy on your stomach on 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:39.019 this day. Ashtami diet is often about fasting 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:43.059 or semi -fasting to purify, then feasting in 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:47.400 a measured way with some lighter foods. This 00:20:47.400 --> 00:20:51.480 pattern reflects the 8th tithi of ashtami as 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:55.420 intensity followed by grace. You gotta make use 00:20:55.420 --> 00:21:00.319 of that. Prayers, less lighter foods on the side 00:21:00.319 --> 00:21:04.309 of that. attitude towards receptivity and tuning 00:21:04.309 --> 00:21:06.730 into the divine feminine, all of these things 00:21:06.730 --> 00:21:09.650 will help on this day. Now let's see some specifics 00:21:09.650 --> 00:21:12.829 of Krishna and Shukla Ashtami. On the Krishna 00:21:12.829 --> 00:21:15.029 Ashtami side, like it's going towards vening 00:21:15.029 --> 00:21:18.250 side, so you have lesser mind power as you can 00:21:18.250 --> 00:21:21.230 see highlighted on the pie chart there. So it's 00:21:21.230 --> 00:21:25.029 more about going fiercely inward. I would suggest 00:21:25.029 --> 00:21:29.390 do Sastranamas of Lalita, mystical, devotional 00:21:29.390 --> 00:21:32.250 and inwardly transformative is the energy of 00:21:32.250 --> 00:21:36.490 the day. Strong connection to grace, to playfulness 00:21:36.490 --> 00:21:40.589 and to surrender. It's a day for good bhakti, 00:21:40.890 --> 00:21:44.569 mantra chanting, inner joy through association 00:21:44.569 --> 00:21:48.809 or tuning into the divine. Whatever we call worship 00:21:48.809 --> 00:21:51.769 and how it is done even in the Vedic tradition 00:21:51.769 --> 00:21:56.009 today, for most part, is highly misinterpreted 00:21:56.009 --> 00:22:02.349 in my opinion. The act of worship or act of surrender 00:22:02.349 --> 00:22:05.849 is to reduce the ego and to tune into the higher 00:22:05.849 --> 00:22:09.910 aspects of you. You are the consciousness. Just 00:22:09.910 --> 00:22:12.329 that your ego and your mind seems to be getting 00:22:12.329 --> 00:22:15.509 in the way of things. What to do on this day? 00:22:16.009 --> 00:22:18.329 Krishna Janmashtami fast, kind of fasting, the 00:22:18.329 --> 00:22:21.769 whole day. Midnight vigils, mantra chanting. 00:22:22.690 --> 00:22:27.529 Bhakti practices like kirtan or making puja of 00:22:27.529 --> 00:22:30.970 any sort. Japa. I would recommend japa as more 00:22:30.970 --> 00:22:34.289 because I am more tuned to mantra japa. Devotional 00:22:34.289 --> 00:22:36.750 service if you want to go and serve the people. 00:22:37.069 --> 00:22:40.670 Offer them food. Introspective sadhana, meditation 00:22:40.670 --> 00:22:44.529 on divine grace. We live in times of tremendous 00:22:44.529 --> 00:22:47.349 divine grace by the way. It's ironical that people 00:22:47.349 --> 00:22:50.349 don't see it. We've got plenty of everything 00:22:50.349 --> 00:22:53.029 these days. Imagine our ancestors with sticks 00:22:53.029 --> 00:22:55.529 and stones. How much they had to work right from 00:22:55.529 --> 00:22:59.910 the day break. Surrender based rituals and prayers 00:22:59.910 --> 00:23:01.950 for transformation. That's also good on this 00:23:01.950 --> 00:23:05.930 day. What to avoid? Idle gossip. Always avoid 00:23:05.930 --> 00:23:08.869 this. You're spoiling your mercury people if 00:23:08.869 --> 00:23:12.369 you do idle gossip. Indulgence and neglecting 00:23:12.369 --> 00:23:15.269 devotion. Avoid all of this. Over attachment 00:23:15.269 --> 00:23:18.480 to ego or control. There you go. just spoke of 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:22.519 that ignoring intuitive guidance your intuition 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:25.759 or intuitive faculties on this day will be quite 00:23:25.759 --> 00:23:28.779 turned up naturally for everyone even the most 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:32.279 dense creature suggested mindset is playfulness 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:36.500 with devotion joy through surrender trust in 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:40.319 grace to transform challenges blend lightheartedness 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:44.799 with deep reverence diet, fasting, fruits, milk, 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:48.779 water is traditional on Janmashtami Even Andoragashtami 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:52.339 to an extent. Lights are quick meals if not fasting. 00:23:52.599 --> 00:23:55.640 Fresh fruits, dairy and nuts. Avoid grains and 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:58.779 tamasic foods. Oily meat, alcohol and so on. 00:23:58.960 --> 00:24:01.160 Oily meat, alcohol is never a good idea in any 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:03.220 case. In the Vedic tradition it was never done. 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:07.079 Anyway, next we shall see. Now meet iti. Take 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:07.700 care, be safe.