Yavana School of Astrology

Dear All,

Given below is an article on Yavana school of astrology.

 

==============================================================

Yavana School of Astrology

==========================

There is a controversy about the meaning of the word Yavana. Modern

historians almost always erroneously take `Yavana' to mean `Greek'.

Of course Greeks where called Yavana by Indians for a long time, and

so it is not completely wrong to take `Yavana' to mean `Greek' if one

is talking about the a limited historic period, i.e. Period after the

invasion of Alexander. But when we look at the literature, we see

that the word Yavana is used to indicate Pharsi or Persian in several

instances. The popular definition of this word, supported by classics

is that, any person who is not a native of India and does follow our

custom and tradition is called Yavana. So the point to be kept in

mind is that-

• The `Yavana' has some link outside India

• Their tradition and system is slightly different than ours.

• The heir (sons and daughters) and successors of a `Yavana'

(Guru-sishya paramapara) would be termed `Yavana'.

The 3rd point is often ignored by even the learned. It essentially

means that at times even people who were and born and lived in India,

and even followed the Indian custom and tradition where

termed `Yavana' only because, they were the descendents of Yavana.

Before the arrival of Greeks it was Persian peoples who were known by

the word `Yavana', and even before that? Yes, at that time it could

mean even people from `Afghanistan', `China', or `Egypt', i.e. any

where outside India or their descendants or followers (students).

Yavaneswara

----------------

Someone in ancient past brought some new knowledge of astrology to

India. It was even before the period of Parasara (1400 BC), and this

great scholar gets mentioned by Parasara, Narada, Kasyapa and many

more. He must have been an astonishing store house of knowledge, and

well versed in Sanskrit, even the Rishis considered him as an Rishi.

His great knowledge, made Rishi Garga speak out-

Mlescha hi yavanasteshu samyak sastramidam stitam

Rishivattepi pujyante kim puna daiva vad dwija

Meaning, even though a person outside from, by native place or

tradition followed, the knowledge of astrology is well settled and

find comfort in `Yavana' (Yavana Kula). Because of this they are

worshiped like Rishis. Then why not if a person who took second birth

by devoting himself to knowledge and is learning astrology?

We should remember that Garga was the head guru (like chancellor of a

university) of the Garga kula. Many great learning centers like

Vasishta Kula, Kousika kula, Atri Kula, Mareechi Kula, Angira Kula,

Bhrigu Kula, Chyvana Kula, Vyasa Kula etc existed at that period –

and the knowledge preserved was so vast. Garga know about this all,

and was part of this great tradition. Even then he felt astonished by

the astrological knowledge preserved and propagated by another such

learning center – Yavana Kula. This is wonderful! We could see that

later acharyas started mentioning the name of Yavanewara, including

him in the list of 18 great gurus of astrology. Narada, Kasyapa,

Parasara – no body failed to mention his name! How great an influence

he and his school of thought would have been to Indian astrology?!!

Yes, this `Yavaneswara' is a great Rishi, vast treasure house of

knowledge, worshiped Surya, had some connections outside India, was

well-versed in Sanskrit, was the head guru of Yavana Kula, and lived

before BC 1400. He very much appreciated the astrological tradition

and knowledge of India, adopted many concepts from India streams and

tried to modify them. This too made the Indian scholars give special

attention towards him. This is the knowledge we have about his

mountainous individuality – he stands tall and unique even among the

peaks!

Yavanewara Hora is the text known by his name. His successors (sishya

parampara) like Sphujidwaja, Meena raja amply quotes from this text.

Later day scholars like Mihira too quotes him and mentions the

opinions by him. Yavanswara says that he got this knowledge of

astrology from Brahma (Prajapati), which indicates that he was a

follower of Indian tradition itself, but with somewhat slight

difference.

Some problems surfacing

-------------------------------

If even Garga felt astonished by this knowledge stream how Mihira can

not? But due to these mutual appreciation (between Arsha and Yavana

schools of astrology) and scholarly interaction many problems

surfaced. They are –

• Ancient Indian Rishi Kulas appreciated the knowledge of

Yavana school, but never mixed it with there own system.

• Even Garga was not an exception to this even though he

himself was somewhat outside the Arsha or Sanatana stream due to the

fact that he was a follower of Jain philosophy (originated by

Rishabha Deva). But we should also remember that at that time Jain

hadn't become a separate religion, but was part of the Vedic stream.

• Just contrary to this, Yavaneswara tried to lean all the

Indian knowledge as well, modified it applying logic, and taught them

as well in his guru kula. This is evident from the example of Nabhasa

yogas. Nabhasa Yogas are just mentioned in Arha (Sanatana) Rishi

horas like Skanda hora, Brihal prajaptyam etc, but Yavaneswara took

this concept and made the number of named Nabhasa Yogas 1800 by

applying permutation combination!!!!! The concept of Nabhasa yogas

were not totally in line with the foundations of ancient Indian

astrology, that is why the Indian Rishis didn't gave much importance

to them. Yavanewara never bothered about it, took this concept, and

applied maths to it! The result was 1800 Nabhasa yogas, out of which

hundreds of them were astronomical impossibilities!! Here we see the

type of interaction and the reason for respect or disrespect.

• In the Arsha system of Parasara started mixing the concepts

of Yavana, and many of his new concepts as well. Due to this he was

also not considered as a true follower of Arsha stream, and was even

called Yavana at times, even though he was not Yavana. What ever that

be, Parasara is also honored among the 18 great gurus of Astrology.

We should remember that, Yavana, Romaka, Poulisa, Lomasa & Parasara

schools may not be part of the true (Arsha/Sanatana) stream of

astrology. But there was a lot of give and take, and they where also

honored among the 18 like the Rishis of Arsha stream – Brahma,

Vasishta, Kousika, Atri, Manu, Mareechi, Angira, Vyasa, Sounaka,

Kasyapa, Chyevava, Garga, Brihaspati etc. We should remember the

other reputed scholars like – Bhrigu (Sukra), Agastya, Suka, Soma,

Skanda, Daksha, Surya etc as well. May be this classification itself

is not that correct, since every Rishi Kula may have their uniqueness

in the system of astrology taught and followed. [We shouldn't forget

the fact that different teachers teach even the same subject

differently, and therefore slight differences are always a

possibility]

• Unlike the ancient Rishis, Mihira also started mixing Arsha

School of astrology with thoughts and ideas borrowed from Yavana

School, even though he never introduced hundreds of new ideas like

Parasara. Even though Mihira was a great teacher this has became a

big cause for confusion in later years. Parasara was a Rishi, Mihira

a scholar and there is no comparison, but both of them borrowed ideas

from Yavana school and thus the original school and system fell back

to the back side of memory, and logic and foundations an almost lost

memory.

 

This is the brief history of astrology. A problem originated due to

the presence of Yavana school of astrology, but for sure not caused

by it, as much as the later great scholars like Parasara and Mihira.

If Parasara and Mihira the great teachers of Indian astrology deserve

better blame, then how can we blame Yavana school of astrology and

the great Yavaneswara who peaks high among many?! This school of

astrology was successful in preserving its teachings and books while

the Arsha school failed to do so!! Shouldn't we appreciate them, and

learn from them? They adopted even the Arsha (astrological) ideas as

well and still preserves many and now without their minor help we can

not go back and retrieve our originals!!! Apart from this what a

great system it in itself is!!

[This essay is becoming too long and so I would just brief about the

other gurus of this stream and conclude]

Sphujidhwaja

----------------

He was an Indian king who was well versed in Sanskrit, Vedic

philosophy and astrology. But he was a follower of Yavana school of

astrology and considers Yavaneswara as guru. A great text with the

name Sphujidhwaja Hora is available – and it is very good in

understanding the contributions of Yavana school.

Meenaraja

-------------

He too was an Indian king, well versed in Sanskrit, and a

follower of Yavana school of astrology. A great text with the name

Meenaraja Hora (Vridha Yavana Hora) is available. It too is a very

good text.

Maya

------

Many are confused about whether to call Maya `Yavana' or not.

He is not the student of `Yavaneswara' but `Surya'. As we know `Surya

Kula' was another great teaching center for astrology. Maya

modified/wrote `Surya Sidhanta', which later became the backbone of

Arsha school of astrology. So even if Maya is `Yavana', he is Yavana

of a different mould and is not part of the Yavana school of

astrology which started from `Yavaneswara'. He was a great architect

as well. Surya Sidhanta, Maya Hora, Maya Matam(Vastu) etc are some of

the texts by him. He was true acharya with mathematical par

excellence, and may be only Aryabhata I of later years have any

comparison to him. Maya is not part of this school of astrology

taught by `Yavaneswara'.

Manindha

------------

Manindha Hora is the text by him. Mihira mentions and quotes

form this text and mention the name of Manindha with respect. Manidha

Hora is not available today.

 

Srutakeerti

---------------

Srutakeerti was a hindu king, but he followed Yavana stream

of astrology. Srutakeerti Hora is the text by him. Mihira mentions

and quotes form this text and mention the name of Sruitakeerti with

respect. Srutakeerti Hora is not available today.

Other gurus

--------------

There might have been many other gurus in this school of

thought but the names of many are not popular may be due to the all

covering presence of Sphujidhwaja and Meenaraja. Later people started

calling Sphujidhwaja by the name `Yavana'and Meenaraja by the

name `Vridha Yavana'. Only a few scholars were good enough to come

out of this shade. One of them is Haraji.

Haraji

-------

He is the author of Manasagari Jataka padhati. He is a

Gujarat Brahmin born of `Sandilya gotra'. But he too followed the

Yavana system of astrology. Therefore Manasagari Jataka padhati

should be considered as one of the last text in Yavana school of

astrology.

The Yavana school of astrology is one of the well reputed and

respects schools of ancient Indian astrology, like the Arsha school &

Jain school of ancient Indian astrology. The now extinct prediction

schemes of Vedic school and Tantric school also needs mention, from

which everything seems to have originated. (Call them Vedic and Non-

Vedic or Nigama and Agama origin of everything if you want).

===============================================================

 

In this article I had tried to give a brief idea about the Yavana

school of astrology and its books and masters, as far as I know.

History is not always simple – it always hides something far beneath

hiding even the sources for retrieving them. I hope this article may

help you in getting a glimpse of the almost forgotten history of

Yavana school of astrology.

Love,

Sreenadh

Dear Shreenadh,

 

That was an interesting tour of ancient branches of astrology.

 

I do not want to tax u, but as usual this raised questions:

 

1. What was the boundary line of India in those days so that

something could be considered Yavana?

 

2. We are a little familiar with why we study astrology these days.

Why do u think astrology was studied in those days? Did it have a

use beyond mere predictions, u think? Any clues from ancient texts.

 

Actually, as i said it is so easy to ask questions. But u can ignore

this if u want. ;0

 

 

Love,

 

Vinita

, " Sreenadh "

<sreesog wrote:

>

> Dear All,

> Given below is an article on Yavana school of astrology.

>

> ==============================================================

> Yavana School of Astrology

> ==========================

> There is a controversy about the meaning of the word Yavana.

Modern

> historians almost always erroneously take `Yavana' to mean

`Greek'.

> Of course Greeks where called Yavana by Indians for a long time,

and

> so it is not completely wrong to take `Yavana' to mean `Greek' if

one

> is talking about the a limited historic period, i.e. Period after

the

> invasion of Alexander. But when we look at the literature, we see

> that the word Yavana is used to indicate Pharsi or Persian in

several

> instances. The popular definition of this word, supported by

classics

> is that, any person who is not a native of India and does follow

our

> custom and tradition is called Yavana. So the point to be kept in

> mind is that-

> • The `Yavana' has some link outside India

> • Their tradition and system is slightly different than ours.

> • The heir (sons and daughters) and successors of a `Yavana'

> (Guru-sishya paramapara) would be termed `Yavana'.

> The 3rd point is often ignored by even the learned. It essentially

> means that at times even people who were and born and lived in

India,

> and even followed the Indian custom and tradition where

> termed `Yavana' only because, they were the descendents of

Yavana.

> Before the arrival of Greeks it was Persian peoples who were known

by

> the word `Yavana', and even before that? Yes, at that time it

could

> mean even people from `Afghanistan', `China', or `Egypt', i.e. any

> where outside India or their descendants or followers (students).

> Yavaneswara

> ----------------

> Someone in ancient past brought some new knowledge of astrology to

> India. It was even before the period of Parasara (1400 BC), and

this

> great scholar gets mentioned by Parasara, Narada, Kasyapa and many

> more. He must have been an astonishing store house of knowledge,

and

> well versed in Sanskrit, even the Rishis considered him as an

Rishi.

> His great knowledge, made Rishi Garga speak out-

> Mlescha hi yavanasteshu samyak sastramidam stitam

> Rishivattepi pujyante kim puna daiva vad dwija

> Meaning, even though a person outside from, by native place or

> tradition followed, the knowledge of astrology is well settled and

> find comfort in `Yavana' (Yavana Kula). Because of this they are

> worshiped like Rishis. Then why not if a person who took second

birth

> by devoting himself to knowledge and is learning astrology?

> We should remember that Garga was the head guru (like chancellor

of a

> university) of the Garga kula. Many great learning centers like

> Vasishta Kula, Kousika kula, Atri Kula, Mareechi Kula, Angira

Kula,

> Bhrigu Kula, Chyvana Kula, Vyasa Kula etc existed at that period –

 

> and the knowledge preserved was so vast. Garga know about this

all,

> and was part of this great tradition. Even then he felt astonished

by

> the astrological knowledge preserved and propagated by another

such

> learning center – Yavana Kula. This is wonderful! We could see

that

> later acharyas started mentioning the name of Yavanewara,

including

> him in the list of 18 great gurus of astrology. Narada, Kasyapa,

> Parasara – no body failed to mention his name! How great an

influence

> he and his school of thought would have been to Indian

astrology?!!

> Yes, this `Yavaneswara' is a great Rishi, vast treasure house of

> knowledge, worshiped Surya, had some connections outside India,

was

> well-versed in Sanskrit, was the head guru of Yavana Kula, and

lived

> before BC 1400. He very much appreciated the astrological

tradition

> and knowledge of India, adopted many concepts from India streams

and

> tried to modify them. This too made the Indian scholars give

special

> attention towards him. This is the knowledge we have about his

> mountainous individuality – he stands tall and unique even among

the

> peaks!

> Yavanewara Hora is the text known by his name. His successors

(sishya

> parampara) like Sphujidwaja, Meena raja amply quotes from this

text.

> Later day scholars like Mihira too quotes him and mentions the

> opinions by him. Yavanswara says that he got this knowledge of

> astrology from Brahma (Prajapati), which indicates that he was a

> follower of Indian tradition itself, but with somewhat slight

> difference.

> Some problems surfacing

> -------------------------------

> If even Garga felt astonished by this knowledge stream how Mihira

can

> not? But due to these mutual appreciation (between Arsha and

Yavana

> schools of astrology) and scholarly interaction many problems

> surfaced. They are –

> • Ancient Indian Rishi Kulas appreciated the knowledge of

> Yavana school, but never mixed it with there own system.

> • Even Garga was not an exception to this even though he

> himself was somewhat outside the Arsha or Sanatana stream due to

the

> fact that he was a follower of Jain philosophy (originated by

> Rishabha Deva). But we should also remember that at that time

Jain

> hadn't become a separate religion, but was part of the Vedic

stream.

> • Just contrary to this, Yavaneswara tried to lean all the

> Indian knowledge as well, modified it applying logic, and taught

them

> as well in his guru kula. This is evident from the example of

Nabhasa

> yogas. Nabhasa Yogas are just mentioned in Arha (Sanatana) Rishi

> horas like Skanda hora, Brihal prajaptyam etc, but Yavaneswara

took

> this concept and made the number of named Nabhasa Yogas 1800 by

> applying permutation combination!!!!! The concept of Nabhasa yogas

> were not totally in line with the foundations of ancient Indian

> astrology, that is why the Indian Rishis didn't gave much

importance

> to them. Yavanewara never bothered about it, took this concept,

and

> applied maths to it! The result was 1800 Nabhasa yogas, out of

which

> hundreds of them were astronomical impossibilities!! Here we see

the

> type of interaction and the reason for respect or disrespect.

> • In the Arsha system of Parasara started mixing the concepts

> of Yavana, and many of his new concepts as well. Due to this he

was

> also not considered as a true follower of Arsha stream, and was

even

> called Yavana at times, even though he was not Yavana. What ever

that

> be, Parasara is also honored among the 18 great gurus of

Astrology.

> We should remember that, Yavana, Romaka, Poulisa, Lomasa &

Parasara

> schools may not be part of the true (Arsha/Sanatana) stream of

> astrology. But there was a lot of give and take, and they where

also

> honored among the 18 like the Rishis of Arsha stream – Brahma,

> Vasishta, Kousika, Atri, Manu, Mareechi, Angira, Vyasa, Sounaka,

> Kasyapa, Chyevava, Garga, Brihaspati etc. We should remember the

> other reputed scholars like – Bhrigu (Sukra), Agastya, Suka, Soma,

> Skanda, Daksha, Surya etc as well. May be this classification

itself

> is not that correct, since every Rishi Kula may have their

uniqueness

> in the system of astrology taught and followed. [We shouldn't

forget

> the fact that different teachers teach even the same subject

> differently, and therefore slight differences are always a

> possibility]

> • Unlike the ancient Rishis, Mihira also started mixing Arsha

> School of astrology with thoughts and ideas borrowed from Yavana

> School, even though he never introduced hundreds of new ideas like

> Parasara. Even though Mihira was a great teacher this has became a

> big cause for confusion in later years. Parasara was a Rishi,

Mihira

> a scholar and there is no comparison, but both of them borrowed

ideas

> from Yavana school and thus the original school and system fell

back

> to the back side of memory, and logic and foundations an almost

lost

> memory.

>

> This is the brief history of astrology. A problem originated due

to

> the presence of Yavana school of astrology, but for sure not

caused

> by it, as much as the later great scholars like Parasara and

Mihira.

> If Parasara and Mihira the great teachers of Indian astrology

deserve

> better blame, then how can we blame Yavana school of astrology and

> the great Yavaneswara who peaks high among many?! This school of

> astrology was successful in preserving its teachings and books

while

> the Arsha school failed to do so!! Shouldn't we appreciate them,

and

> learn from them? They adopted even the Arsha (astrological) ideas

as

> well and still preserves many and now without their minor help we

can

> not go back and retrieve our originals!!! Apart from this what a

> great system it in itself is!!

> [This essay is becoming too long and so I would just brief about

the

> other gurus of this stream and conclude]

> Sphujidhwaja

> ----------------

> He was an Indian king who was well versed in Sanskrit, Vedic

> philosophy and astrology. But he was a follower of Yavana school

of

> astrology and considers Yavaneswara as guru. A great text with the

> name Sphujidhwaja Hora is available – and it is very good in

> understanding the contributions of Yavana school.

> Meenaraja

> -------------

> He too was an Indian king, well versed in Sanskrit, and a

> follower of Yavana school of astrology. A great text with the name

> Meenaraja Hora (Vridha Yavana Hora) is available. It too is a very

> good text.

> Maya

> ------

> Many are confused about whether to call Maya `Yavana' or

not.

> He is not the student of `Yavaneswara' but `Surya'. As we know

`Surya

> Kula' was another great teaching center for astrology. Maya

> modified/wrote `Surya Sidhanta', which later became the backbone

of

> Arsha school of astrology. So even if Maya is `Yavana', he is

Yavana

> of a different mould and is not part of the Yavana school of

> astrology which started from `Yavaneswara'. He was a great

architect

> as well. Surya Sidhanta, Maya Hora, Maya Matam(Vastu) etc are some

of

> the texts by him. He was true acharya with mathematical par

> excellence, and may be only Aryabhata I of later years have any

> comparison to him. Maya is not part of this school of astrology

> taught by `Yavaneswara'.

> Manindha

> ------------

> Manindha Hora is the text by him. Mihira mentions and quotes

> form this text and mention the name of Manindha with respect.

Manidha

> Hora is not available today.

>

> Srutakeerti

> ---------------

> Srutakeerti was a hindu king, but he followed Yavana stream

> of astrology. Srutakeerti Hora is the text by him. Mihira

mentions

> and quotes form this text and mention the name of Sruitakeerti

with

> respect. Srutakeerti Hora is not available today.

> Other gurus

> --------------

> There might have been many other gurus in this school of

> thought but the names of many are not popular may be due to the

all

> covering presence of Sphujidhwaja and Meenaraja. Later people

started

> calling Sphujidhwaja by the name `Yavana'and Meenaraja by the

> name `Vridha Yavana'. Only a few scholars were good enough to come

> out of this shade. One of them is Haraji.

> Haraji

> -------

> He is the author of Manasagari Jataka padhati. He is a

> Gujarat Brahmin born of `Sandilya gotra'. But he too followed the

> Yavana system of astrology. Therefore Manasagari Jataka padhati

> should be considered as one of the last text in Yavana school of

> astrology.

> The Yavana school of astrology is one of the well reputed

and

> respects schools of ancient Indian astrology, like the Arsha

school &

> Jain school of ancient Indian astrology. The now extinct

prediction

> schemes of Vedic school and Tantric school also needs mention,

from

> which everything seems to have originated. (Call them Vedic and

Non-

> Vedic or Nigama and Agama origin of everything if you want).

> ===============================================================

>

> In this article I had tried to give a brief idea about the

Yavana

> school of astrology and its books and masters, as far as I know.

> History is not always simple – it always hides something far

beneath

> hiding even the sources for retrieving them. I hope this article

may

> help you in getting a glimpse of the almost forgotten history of

> Yavana school of astrology.

> Love,

> Sreenadh

>

Dear Vinita ji,

Some questions you need to answer by yourself.

=>

> 2. We are a little familiar with why we study astrology these days.

> Why do u think astrology was studied in those days?

<=

Why did you think astrology is studies these days? For the same

purpose they did.

P.s.: Sphujidwaja hora and Meenaraja Hora is available today.

Love,

Sreenadh

 

, " vinita kumar "

<shankar_mamta wrote:

>

> Dear Shreenadh,

>

> That was an interesting tour of ancient branches of astrology.

>

> I do not want to tax u, but as usual this raised questions:

>

> 1. What was the boundary line of India in those days so that

> something could be considered Yavana?

>

> 2. We are a little familiar with why we study astrology these days.

> Why do u think astrology was studied in those days? Did it have a

> use beyond mere predictions, u think? Any clues from ancient texts.

>

> Actually, as i said it is so easy to ask questions. But u can

ignore

> this if u want. ;0

>

>

> Love,

>

> Vinita

> , " Sreenadh "

> <sreesog@> wrote:

> >

> > Dear All,

> > Given below is an article on Yavana school of astrology.

> >

> > ==============================================================

> > Yavana School of Astrology

> > ==========================

> > There is a controversy about the meaning of the word Yavana.

> Modern

> > historians almost always erroneously take `Yavana' to mean

> `Greek'.

> > Of course Greeks where called Yavana by Indians for a long time,

> and

> > so it is not completely wrong to take `Yavana' to mean `Greek' if

> one

> > is talking about the a limited historic period, i.e. Period after

> the

> > invasion of Alexander. But when we look at the literature, we see

> > that the word Yavana is used to indicate Pharsi or Persian in

> several

> > instances. The popular definition of this word, supported by

> classics

> > is that, any person who is not a native of India and does follow

> our

> > custom and tradition is called Yavana. So the point to be kept in

> > mind is that-

> > • The `Yavana' has some link outside India

> > • Their tradition and system is slightly different than ours.

> > • The heir (sons and daughters) and successors of a `Yavana'

> > (Guru-sishya paramapara) would be termed `Yavana'.

> > The 3rd point is often ignored by even the learned. It

essentially

> > means that at times even people who were and born and lived in

> India,

> > and even followed the Indian custom and tradition where

> > termed `Yavana' only because, they were the descendents of

> Yavana.

> > Before the arrival of Greeks it was Persian peoples who were

known

> by

> > the word `Yavana', and even before that? Yes, at that time it

> could

> > mean even people from `Afghanistan', `China', or `Egypt', i.e.

any

> > where outside India or their descendants or followers (students).

> > Yavaneswara

> > ----------------

> > Someone in ancient past brought some new knowledge of astrology

to

> > India. It was even before the period of Parasara (1400 BC), and

> this

> > great scholar gets mentioned by Parasara, Narada, Kasyapa and

many

> > more. He must have been an astonishing store house of knowledge,

> and

> > well versed in Sanskrit, even the Rishis considered him as an

> Rishi.

> > His great knowledge, made Rishi Garga speak out-

> > Mlescha hi yavanasteshu samyak sastramidam stitam

> > Rishivattepi pujyante kim puna daiva vad dwija

> > Meaning, even though a person outside from, by native place or

> > tradition followed, the knowledge of astrology is well settled

and

> > find comfort in `Yavana' (Yavana Kula). Because of this they are

> > worshiped like Rishis. Then why not if a person who took second

> birth

> > by devoting himself to knowledge and is learning astrology?

> > We should remember that Garga was the head guru (like chancellor

> of a

> > university) of the Garga kula. Many great learning centers like

> > Vasishta Kula, Kousika kula, Atri Kula, Mareechi Kula, Angira

> Kula,

> > Bhrigu Kula, Chyvana Kula, Vyasa Kula etc existed at that

period –

>

> > and the knowledge preserved was so vast. Garga know about this

> all,

> > and was part of this great tradition. Even then he felt

astonished

> by

> > the astrological knowledge preserved and propagated by another

> such

> > learning center – Yavana Kula. This is wonderful! We could see

> that

> > later acharyas started mentioning the name of Yavanewara,

> including

> > him in the list of 18 great gurus of astrology. Narada, Kasyapa,

> > Parasara – no body failed to mention his name! How great an

> influence

> > he and his school of thought would have been to Indian

> astrology?!!

> > Yes, this `Yavaneswara' is a great Rishi, vast treasure house of

> > knowledge, worshiped Surya, had some connections outside India,

> was

> > well-versed in Sanskrit, was the head guru of Yavana Kula, and

> lived

> > before BC 1400. He very much appreciated the astrological

> tradition

> > and knowledge of India, adopted many concepts from India streams

> and

> > tried to modify them. This too made the Indian scholars give

> special

> > attention towards him. This is the knowledge we have about his

> > mountainous individuality – he stands tall and unique even among

> the

> > peaks!

> > Yavanewara Hora is the text known by his name. His successors

> (sishya

> > parampara) like Sphujidwaja, Meena raja amply quotes from this

> text.

> > Later day scholars like Mihira too quotes him and mentions the

> > opinions by him. Yavanswara says that he got this knowledge of

> > astrology from Brahma (Prajapati), which indicates that he was a

> > follower of Indian tradition itself, but with somewhat slight

> > difference.

> > Some problems surfacing

> > -------------------------------

> > If even Garga felt astonished by this knowledge stream how Mihira

> can

> > not? But due to these mutual appreciation (between Arsha and

> Yavana

> > schools of astrology) and scholarly interaction many problems

> > surfaced. They are –

> > • Ancient Indian Rishi Kulas appreciated the knowledge of

> > Yavana school, but never mixed it with there own system.

> > • Even Garga was not an exception to this even though he

> > himself was somewhat outside the Arsha or Sanatana stream due to

> the

> > fact that he was a follower of Jain philosophy (originated by

> > Rishabha Deva). But we should also remember that at that time

> Jain

> > hadn't become a separate religion, but was part of the Vedic

> stream.

> > • Just contrary to this, Yavaneswara tried to lean all the

> > Indian knowledge as well, modified it applying logic, and taught

> them

> > as well in his guru kula. This is evident from the example of

> Nabhasa

> > yogas. Nabhasa Yogas are just mentioned in Arha (Sanatana) Rishi

> > horas like Skanda hora, Brihal prajaptyam etc, but Yavaneswara

> took

> > this concept and made the number of named Nabhasa Yogas 1800 by

> > applying permutation combination!!!!! The concept of Nabhasa

yogas

> > were not totally in line with the foundations of ancient Indian

> > astrology, that is why the Indian Rishis didn't gave much

> importance

> > to them. Yavanewara never bothered about it, took this concept,

> and

> > applied maths to it! The result was 1800 Nabhasa yogas, out of

> which

> > hundreds of them were astronomical impossibilities!! Here we see

> the

> > type of interaction and the reason for respect or disrespect.

> > • In the Arsha system of Parasara started mixing the concepts

> > of Yavana, and many of his new concepts as well. Due to this he

> was

> > also not considered as a true follower of Arsha stream, and was

> even

> > called Yavana at times, even though he was not Yavana. What ever

> that

> > be, Parasara is also honored among the 18 great gurus of

> Astrology.

> > We should remember that, Yavana, Romaka, Poulisa, Lomasa &

> Parasara

> > schools may not be part of the true (Arsha/Sanatana) stream of

> > astrology. But there was a lot of give and take, and they where

> also

> > honored among the 18 like the Rishis of Arsha stream – Brahma,

> > Vasishta, Kousika, Atri, Manu, Mareechi, Angira, Vyasa, Sounaka,

> > Kasyapa, Chyevava, Garga, Brihaspati etc. We should remember the

> > other reputed scholars like – Bhrigu (Sukra), Agastya, Suka,

Soma,

> > Skanda, Daksha, Surya etc as well. May be this classification

> itself

> > is not that correct, since every Rishi Kula may have their

> uniqueness

> > in the system of astrology taught and followed. [We shouldn't

> forget

> > the fact that different teachers teach even the same subject

> > differently, and therefore slight differences are always a

> > possibility]

> > • Unlike the ancient Rishis, Mihira also started mixing Arsha

> > School of astrology with thoughts and ideas borrowed from Yavana

> > School, even though he never introduced hundreds of new ideas

like

> > Parasara. Even though Mihira was a great teacher this has became

a

> > big cause for confusion in later years. Parasara was a Rishi,

> Mihira

> > a scholar and there is no comparison, but both of them borrowed

> ideas

> > from Yavana school and thus the original school and system fell

> back

> > to the back side of memory, and logic and foundations an almost

> lost

> > memory.

> >

> > This is the brief history of astrology. A problem originated due

> to

> > the presence of Yavana school of astrology, but for sure not

> caused

> > by it, as much as the later great scholars like Parasara and

> Mihira.

> > If Parasara and Mihira the great teachers of Indian astrology

> deserve

> > better blame, then how can we blame Yavana school of astrology

and

> > the great Yavaneswara who peaks high among many?! This school of

> > astrology was successful in preserving its teachings and books

> while

> > the Arsha school failed to do so!! Shouldn't we appreciate them,

> and

> > learn from them? They adopted even the Arsha (astrological) ideas

> as

> > well and still preserves many and now without their minor help we

> can

> > not go back and retrieve our originals!!! Apart from this what a

> > great system it in itself is!!

> > [This essay is becoming too long and so I would just brief about

> the

> > other gurus of this stream and conclude]

> > Sphujidhwaja

> > ----------------

> > He was an Indian king who was well versed in Sanskrit, Vedic

> > philosophy and astrology. But he was a follower of Yavana school

> of

> > astrology and considers Yavaneswara as guru. A great text with

the

> > name Sphujidhwaja Hora is available – and it is very good in

> > understanding the contributions of Yavana school.

> > Meenaraja

> > -------------

> > He too was an Indian king, well versed in Sanskrit, and a

> > follower of Yavana school of astrology. A great text with the

name

> > Meenaraja Hora (Vridha Yavana Hora) is available. It too is a

very

> > good text.

> > Maya

> > ------

> > Many are confused about whether to call Maya `Yavana' or

> not.

> > He is not the student of `Yavaneswara' but `Surya'. As we know

> `Surya

> > Kula' was another great teaching center for astrology. Maya

> > modified/wrote `Surya Sidhanta', which later became the backbone

> of

> > Arsha school of astrology. So even if Maya is `Yavana', he is

> Yavana

> > of a different mould and is not part of the Yavana school of

> > astrology which started from `Yavaneswara'. He was a great

> architect

> > as well. Surya Sidhanta, Maya Hora, Maya Matam(Vastu) etc are

some

> of

> > the texts by him. He was true acharya with mathematical par

> > excellence, and may be only Aryabhata I of later years have any

> > comparison to him. Maya is not part of this school of astrology

> > taught by `Yavaneswara'.

> > Manindha

> > ------------

> > Manindha Hora is the text by him. Mihira mentions and quotes

> > form this text and mention the name of Manindha with respect.

> Manidha

> > Hora is not available today.

> >

> > Srutakeerti

> > ---------------

> > Srutakeerti was a hindu king, but he followed Yavana stream

> > of astrology. Srutakeerti Hora is the text by him. Mihira

> mentions

> > and quotes form this text and mention the name of Sruitakeerti

> with

> > respect. Srutakeerti Hora is not available today.

> > Other gurus

> > --------------

> > There might have been many other gurus in this school of

> > thought but the names of many are not popular may be due to the

> all

> > covering presence of Sphujidhwaja and Meenaraja. Later people

> started

> > calling Sphujidhwaja by the name `Yavana'and Meenaraja by the

> > name `Vridha Yavana'. Only a few scholars were good enough to

come

> > out of this shade. One of them is Haraji.

> > Haraji

> > -------

> > He is the author of Manasagari Jataka padhati. He is a

> > Gujarat Brahmin born of `Sandilya gotra'. But he too followed the

> > Yavana system of astrology. Therefore Manasagari Jataka padhati

> > should be considered as one of the last text in Yavana school of

> > astrology.

> > The Yavana school of astrology is one of the well reputed

> and

> > respects schools of ancient Indian astrology, like the Arsha

> school &

> > Jain school of ancient Indian astrology. The now extinct

> prediction

> > schemes of Vedic school and Tantric school also needs mention,

> from

> > which everything seems to have originated. (Call them Vedic and

> Non-

> > Vedic or Nigama and Agama origin of everything if you want).

> > ===============================================================

> >

> > In this article I had tried to give a brief idea about the

> Yavana

> > school of astrology and its books and masters, as far as I know.

> > History is not always simple – it always hides something far

> beneath

> > hiding even the sources for retrieving them. I hope this article

> may

> > help you in getting a glimpse of the almost forgotten history of

> > Yavana school of astrology.

> > Love,

> > Sreenadh

> >

>