The Connection between mind, time and the planets by SriSri Ravi Shankar

Do you know, when the time changes, the mind also changes. There is a beautiful science about this. You can also get a clue from the astrological chart, how the mind is connected with time.

There are twelve constellations and nine planets according to Vedic astrology. It is said that when Jupiter transits in the eighth place from the time you are born, it has an impact on your mind. Similarly, when Saturn transits the eighth place, it makes your emotions go topsy-turvy. When Jupiter is in the eighth place, you lose all your wisdom. But that is only for eleven months, and in these eleven months, it is only for three months that it makes you so miserable. Unless and until you are in deep spiritual knowledge or enlightened, this will definitely affect your mind.

Similarly, every two and a half days, the mood of the mind changes. If you are miserable, it won’t exceed two and half days. There will be a break and then it may come again. Like this, the cosmos has an influence on the mind.

Know that all the negative emotions are just a passing phase. It may be because of some planetary combination. This is where astrology comes to your help in a big way.  That is why Jyotish (astrology) is called the Eye of Wisdom. It makes you see beyond your immediate situation, and know that it is only for a short time, and it is going to change. You gain some unknown inner strength from this. And you will not start blaming yourself or people around you.

You can’t do anything about them. They move at their own pace, you can’t hasten their movement.  On top of all the planets is Lord Shiva or the Shiva Tattva. So by chanting Om Namah Shivaya, you will sail through all this.

I tell you, in any of these unfavorable situations there is always an advantage, i.e., turning more inward and becoming more spiritual. In favorable situations your mind is outward, so at least in unfavorable situations you can turn your mind inward and utilize this time for prayer and meditation.

All of these, Rahu Bhukti, Shani Bhukti, Ketu Bhukti, etc., are all very good for spiritual growth.

The main purpose of Shani (one of the nine cosmic influencers in  Hindu astrology) is to make you more spiritual.

• And how does he do it? When you are clinging on to the outer, he brings problem there to bring you inward.  If you are already inward, he does not have anything much to do. His job is done so there will not be any problem also. Even if problems are there they would be minimum, they will just come and go. So every situation can be used for one’s benefit.