Sri Sri Ravi Shankar(August 6th 1996 – Santa Monica, California)
Guruji chants a lil some something… means this knowledge is deep so find some quiet time, your space and let your self absorb it.

Cosmic connection is an illusion. (laughter) Connection can happen between to, when there is only one, what you connect? (laughter) The entire universe is one, is one organism. This is the ultimate truth. But yet, on another level, there is diversity, there is difference. And there is a connection in the sense, a definite result or effect is produced. With certain definite interactions. This is a second level of reality. Though not the ultimate. The relative reality, the second level of reality is not the ultimate, is not final but there is always possibilities open. Creation is made up of varieties. Life is also made up of definite varieties, of elements, of substances or energies. You cannot understand the cosmos if you leave out life. And if you understand life then you understand cosmos better. Life is part of the cosmos but plays a very vital role.

In this universe every substance affects everything else. Affects and affected by everything else. To what degree, to what extent? Varies. That has to be seen. Everything affects everything else, this is determined, but to what degree to what extent. Is variable. Do you see what I’m saying? The entire cosmos is one unit. Now in this there are two aspects. One is the planets or space or the energies. The second is time. The ancient rishis have said the whole universe is a combination of time and space. From the microcosm to the macrocosm there is a link there is a connection. A connectedness. So also with the time. And it is so fascinating that this unit of time is also determined and measured.

Said 4.32 million years make one kalpa. One unit. And several such kalpas make one mannmantra. In this one unit of kalpa, mannmantras come. This mannmantra, several yugas are there. Called the golden age, which is calculated 1.8. something million years. And the silver age, which is 1.3 and some million years. And then the copper age which is 0.8 million years and the iron age or the dark age is only 0.430 million years. Um point…? Ya! 400 and something thousand years. Now together this cycle of 4. some million years. 4.320 million years make one mannmantra.

Several such mannmantras make one kalpa, and several such kalpas make one eighth of the day of Braman. And thousand years of Braman is one eighth of the day of Vishnu. And one thousand Vishnu years is one eighth day of a Shiva. Shiva time. (laughter) Now see the magnitude of times. Billions of light-years, it flows in to light-years. This calculation of macrocosmic time has been done thousands of years ago. And this comes down to the exact calculation of today’s astronomy. Like 365 days 15 ghatis and 36 vighatis make one year. 15 ghatis and 38 vighatis are just quarter day. That’s just 365 and one quarter day. That’s the time of the year. Now to that precision of time, ghatis, vighatis, seconds, have been calculated in the vedic astrology.

This knowledge of astrology has got 3 aspects. One is the astronomical calculation, the second is the influence they have on each other. Planets are not merely planets somewhere sitting there, planets are the vibrations that cut across the cosmos. The cosmic ray, huh, say the cosmic rays. And its interesting, each of these cosmic ray has a definite particular effect on certain substances. Certain stones, like gem stones, certain stones for particular planets.

And particular types of food also like grains. (Paras note: If you’re interested in that check out Steve Wonders – Seeds a Star and google Po Tolo… you’ll be amazed!) Colours, even birds and animals, they carry most of these particular type of vibration in them. Do you see what I’m saying? Like moon, moons vibration is carried in the moonstone. Hmmm? Also on the colour, cream or white. And a particular type of bird called Chakota, don’t know what you say that bird here. This particular species of bird is very much linked with the vibration of the moon. The water. Water element.

5 Elements of which our creation is made up of is also connected to the 9 planets. Are you all connected to what I’m saying now? (laughter) Hmmm? The 5 elements are earth, water, air, fire and ether. (Paras note: For Captain Planet its earth, fire, wind, water and heart… by your powers combined… I am Captain Planet… GO PLANET!) On one level there is no different, it is all one thing, one energy but when you come to another level of reality there is multiplicity, there is division, there is differences. And all connections are from this level of existence, and life is not linear it is multidimensional. Time is not liner, time is a circle, space is not linear, spaces is connected, is circle.

So the astrology says one is the impact effect and the second most interesting thing is called upaya. Means the remedial measures. See when everything can influence everything else, you’re also part of the something. So you can also in turn influence everything else in the universe. (laughter) You wonder how come me, this small being here, which is insignificant in this creation can influence something so big. Its hard to believe but I tell you, you can. Just see how a tiny atom when it explodes, destroys cities for years to come. Most invisible tiny part of an atom when they are exploded, separated.

An atomic explosion can cause such a big havoc. Such a big impact, for years together. The radiation goes for years together. Thousands of years. You think you are less powerful than an atom which is matter? I tell you, you are much more powerful. Your consciousness is so much more powerful. Is so much more subtler than an atom. Just like an atomic explosion when something in you opens up you become really a nobody. Or you become everybody part of everybody. The full blossoming in you happens, you affect your entire environment. The place, you know. The circumstance, situations. And its effect, the karma.

Karma is nothing but impressions of action or ideas on the level of consciousness. And it is the consciousness which is the driving force behind all actions. Isn’t it? Now you want to raise your hand, first the idea comes in the mind, raise your hand. Or an intention arises, raise your hand. An intention is so powerful that it carries your whole body or system wherever you want it. Isn’t it? You sit and think I would like to go to New York and that one tiny thought that I want to go to New York propels your body to do so much action. 100-200 pounds of the body, it gets into the car, drives the car, goes to the airport, takes the ticket and sits in the plane.

Look at the action, the amount of action that happens by a single thought, I want to go to New York. Isn’t it? Is this mind, consciousness not powerful? So much more powerful, I tell you, you’re much more powerful than all the stones, crystals and all things that we try to use to make ourselves more powerful. (laughter) You’re giving away the power to all those tiny little stones. (laughs) I mean you can decorate yourself with that, they do have some effect but I tell you, you have much more source, you have much more potentiality, potential within you. You’re much more potent than those stones.

That’s why its called mantras. The vibrations in the mind can affect the planet which are so far away or their influences on our system. You know the mythology says, Lord Shiva sits on top of all the planets. Shiva means the inner most core of the creation, the essence of creation, the transcendental aspect of life. The divine aspect of this creation. The divinity sits on top of all the planets, means what, it rules over all the planets. There’s another beautiful thing huh… your system is made up of body, breath, mind, intellect, memory and ego… and then self. All the influences or effect of the planets and stars are only up to the ego. So when you transcend ego, no planet can affect you.

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There is a story of a young boy. Is called Markhandaya. His parents wished for a son. And they got this divine intuition, vision in which they were asked ok you have a choice. What type of son you want? You want a son who is so good and great and wise but short lived or you want a son who has a long life, 100 years but very wicked. (laughter) The parents were wise, said they chose, we want a son who is, never mind if he’s short lived, who is wise. So they got the son. They named him Markhandaya and the astrological chart said he lives only for 16 years. He became wise from the very first years.

I mean from fourth year he was bring out so much wisdom in his speech and action. So the parents on the 16th year, they didn’t know what to do because he was going to die on the 16th year. But its said that he transcended the ego and meditated. And then the god of death who came to take him could not touch him coz he transcended time. So he was granted, the mythology says thousands of years of life so he lived for more. There is a point there, that the effect is only up to the limited idea of who I am. Once I tap into that source, which is the basis of the whole creation, then instead of you getting affected, you start effecting the situation and circumstances around you.

You know usually in the beads there is 108 beads, you know what is that, why 108? Why? There are 9 planets and 12 constellation when 9 planets go around 12 constellations they produce 108 major changes. And to counteract 108 major changes which can possibly affect us in a negative manner, they say ok chant Om Namah Shivay or some chant you know. Take the name of god. So every time you are in a divine energy you make an impact on the environment, on your karma. So the number 108 is thought to be very significant. There is one more bead on top of it 109th, it’s the guru bead, which is beyond the effect of it. (guruji laughs)

There is one very practical use of astrology. You know what that is? It shifts your idea that somebody is responsible for what is happening to you, onto planets. (laughter) Often when we are miserable, we think someone else is the cause for our misery. So you are stuck thinking so and so behaved or did this thing to me and how you can take revenge or challenge on them. This sets up emotion of action and reaction and continues chain of karmas. Isn’t it? Now when the astrologer tells you, see its because of your bad period that Saturn its retrograde. That’s why you got blamed for this thing which you haven’t done. Then you stop getting on XYZ. (laughter)

You cant get angry on Saturn for being in retrograde. (laughter) What do you do? (laughter) If moon gets into triangle what do you do? (laughs) You cant shout at them. (laughs) Weather you believe it or not the practical benefit of astrology that you can see immediately is shifting your limited awareness of cause and effect. Whatever you think is the cause, if you see from a wider angle lens, that is also in effect. The whole creation is a series of effects. There’s no cause. (laughter) This understanding gives so much strength to you to transcend the chain of action and reaction. Do you see what I’m saying? In fact I shouldn’t even use the word action its all a chain of reactions. So first thing is to shift the responsibility that you put on someone else for what is happening to you, to a broader perspective. Your mind becomes mature, vision gets broadened, life becomes more stable. There are the benefits of, primary benefits of astrology.

Now there are some drawbacks also, what are the drawbacks? It can make you lazy and lethargic. Be irresponsible. If not properly understood. Coz people sit and wait, oh my period is no good for two years, let me wait. (laughs) Do you see what I’m saying? And there are some scientists who are pseudo-scientists or not full scientists who deny there is any connection between stars and what is happening here. I tell you their vision is very small. They have to go back to their physics classes and understand how everything in the universe is connected, linked. The purpose of astrology is to take you to the ultimate truth that entire universe is one organism. One being, one consciousness, one self, manifests itself into this varied universe. Called Advaita, non-dual. Existence. And that is bliss, that is joy, that is the ultimate aim of life. And its all present right here, in us is a capsule form.

You know the tree under which Buddha got enlightened, hundreds and thousands of people throughout the ages have been going there visiting it. And it feels such a peace, such a serenity, calmness, quietness and joy there. Why? Buddha got enlightened. That means what? An atom which was somebody got exploded. And that vibration was absorbed by the tree. The bodhi tree under which he sat and got, sat and meditated. And the influence or effect or impact of it continues through thousands of years. It is just like an atomic explosion, don’t you think so? (Guruji and everybody laughs)

Someone shouts out a question. Guruji asks ‘when?…. hmmm right here’. People crack up and make noise and go nuts and applause.

People go to pilgrimages, you know pilgrim places or holy places, cities. Why? Because those were the places where people sat and meditated. And wherever you sit and meditate, you’re not only influencing your body, your system but you’re also sending those most positive vibrations energy all around you. You can see that, in your own home you try, sit in one corner and meditate in the same place everyday. And you will see that when you get in there, the vibration, the feeling is so much different. Because not only you, you have influenced the walls, the carpet, the place where you are. (guruji laughs) In India it’s a very common custom, that if there is a saint in the town they all want him to come and to just keep at least one foot inside the house. Come in for at least two minutes to our house you know. Let the, our house vibration will be different and change, its good.

This upayasa, simply beautiful, just have to explore more into it from a scientific angle. Like you know that any chronicling illnesses becomes more or less during the full moon or new moon. Isn’t it? This is an established fact, everybody knows. Now the ancient rishis said, ok in that case, what do you do three days before that, on the eleventh day of full moon or new moon you fast on water. Coz it takes 3 days for us to, the toxins in our system to reach all the part, all the organs of the system. And 3 days before if you undergo a cleansing by fasting. And the next day, morning, certain particular herbs and leaves and spinach and all this cleansing diet is given, then the impact of that particular, whatever planetary position, for the illness will be minimised.

There’s another proverb also. Says, the bullet came to the head, but it took off the hat. Events happen, but its effect could be reduced. The spirit has this power to reduce the malefic influence and enhance the benific influence. Suppose you are supposed to get a lottery and if your good karma is very low then you’ll simply hear somebody, oh I’m going to give you hundred thousand dollars and you’re happy that you’re going to get hundred thousand dollars and that’s it. One day you are happy and then it wont manifest.

Do you see what I’m saying? Of course you got the news, and that’s it, finished. If you have a bad karma of having an accident, you may just trip from your staircase. And just hurt your nail that’s all. That law of world is fulfilled. Do you see what I’m saying? That is why spiritual practice form such an important aspect of upaya. Remedial measures for life. And its no good to do it when the time comes, it has to be done much before. Oh my bad time is only up to 3 years, let me wait for 3 years then let me do something at that time. Will not work. Its like trying to learn archery in the war field. (laughter)

S’why everyday few minutes, in the morning or in the evenings, sunrise and sunset. Those are the most important time or precious time where your mind can also transcend from the waking, dreaming and sleeping, to the self. Which our fourth state of consciousness. That is the shield, this is like a shield for you. So everyday keep 10 minutes for you, 15 minutes for you, 20 minutes for you, morning and evening. Then you will feel connected with the whole cosmos. What d’you say? (Applause) Jai Gurudev.