An interview with Paramacharya of SWAHA, Pt. Hardeo Persad, on 90.5 FM
- What is a graha?
- People often say a graha happens when the planets are in a bad position and is affecting them negatively. The word ‘graha’ means ‘planet’. There are nine ‘planets’, as we refer to them: they are Suruj Narayan – the sun; Chandra – the moon; Mangal – Mars; Budh – Mercury; Brihaspati – Jupiter; Shukra – Venus; Shani – Saturn and there are also two nodes of the moon, the ascending and descending nodes: Rahu and Ketu. These nine ‘planets’ are called the Nau Graha Devtas.
In Hinduism, everything is personified so that we humans, who think in images, can relate to them. The planets are personified: for example, the sun is represented by an individual sitting in a chariot that is drawn by seven horses. These representations have deep significance. At the macrocosmic level, the nine planets create an impact on the earth. The human body itself is a microcosm of the universe. Each planet is related to various parts of the body and their proper functioning.
- How do we know when a graha will affect us?
- It is based upon the time you were born. Everything happens from the individual’s perspective. I am the centre of my world. Everything happens with reference to me, the individual. Humans are holographic projections of the universe. The sages have said, “Yathaa pinde, Tathaa Brahmaande”: As in the microcosm, so in the macrocosm. The human body is made up of the five elements, panch tattwas and 11 life principles, five gyaan indriyas, five karma indriyas and the mind. Man is a miniature universe. The planets are represented internally by the chakras in the human body. Chakras are vortices of energy. They are connected to the various parts of the body and they energise the body.
The nine chakras represent the nine planets in the solar system: from the base of the spine is the muladhaara chakra, then the swadhisthaan chakra in the lower abdomen, the manipura chakra in the navel area, the anaahata chakra in the heart region, the vishudha chakra in the throat area, the ajna chakra in the forehead and the sahasraara chakra above the head. Two minor chakras represent Rahu and Ketu.
If there is a ‘graha’, then this implies that the chakra that corresponds to the planet is either under functional or non-functional. As an analogy, if the transformer on the light pole is malfunctioning, then there is low voltage. To explain the analogy further: Powergen generates electricity that is transmitted through high tension wires. The poles and transformers transmit the energy to the house. Crisscrossing through the house are many wires that carry electricity to the lights and appliances. They all get their power from the source of energy.
Hinduism says that everything in this world is energy vibrating at various frequencies. Energy is everywhere. This is an established scientific fact. There are three main channels of bio-energy: the ida, sushumna and pingala nadi. The chakras, like the transformers, break down the energy so that the body, like the house, can be energised. When there is a disparity between the external and internal energy levels and we call that situation a ‘graha’. Each planet is connected to a particular mantra and yantra so that the chakras within can be reactivated. Mantras have a sound vibration and each chakra is associated with certain letters and sounds. We can reenergise the chakras through fasting, praying and yogic techniques.
- If it’s internal, then why do we think that when things aren’t going right for us in some aspect of our lives, we think it’s a graha and we perform a puja?
External stimuli could have no impact on us unless we react to it. Let’s say, for example, that someone has a Shani graha and this leads to depression. Their perception of everything will be very bleak. If they can raise their energy levels, the external circumstances will not really affect them. The point is, we react to the situation rather than being proactive. If we are proactive, we can keep our energy levels high so that nothing can affect our state of mind. If the voltage is low in the house, there is not enough light or power. It is a similar situation with the individual.
The sages have created various pathways to psychologically and spiritually help us. Puja is one such journey. The mantras and rituals are important to purify the mind and body and raise the energy levels. In every puja that we perform, a Nau Graha Puja is included as this keeps the energy at a high point. People need to increase their energy levels as this creates a protective shield around us. Then, no negative vibrations can affect us in any way. If something has to happen, then we should increase our prayers. Astrology can give us guidelines about positive and negative phases but we must be proactive, pray, conduct our pujas, watch our thoughts and perform good actions.
