Dear Prakash
First of all, let me thank you for the kind words you
said about this book which unfortunately did not get the attention it
deserved looking at the importance of this subject. It is still good to
know that there are people who have thought about it.
Secondly, let me apologise for replying in English. This is due to the fact, that I can not type in Marathi.
Your
efforts at throwing sunlight on to the subject of PhalJyotish are
commendable. It is unfortunate, that even today, millions depend on this
completely unscientific method to decide about their life.
Shraddha,
or its twin Andhashraddha are far too deeply embedded in our culture,
and many other cultures around the world. The persistence of such
completely irrational thoughts and practices even amongst people who are
otherwise rational and practical in other areas of life, means that
these irrational thoughts serve some functions. Amongst the many
challenges of life, a challenge to live with uncertainty is a major one
for many people.
Future course of events are predictable
grossly in macro events, in the sense what will happen to environment
etc, it is nearly impossible to accurately predict what will happen in
any person's life.Though by far and large, most people's lives are
routine and nothing new happens most of the times, there are some
unexpected events. The other issue is while making an important life
changing decision like choosing a life partner or accepting a job offer,
most people want to peep into the future, they want to have as many
factors as possible which will in their opinion help them to make a
decision which provides best outcome for them.
Jyotish offers
future predictions, based on a process which appears very scientific,
like the position of stars and a deep study etc. People fall for such
pseudo scientific mumbo jumbo, as they want to be convinced that they
have an advance warning.
An emotional need to make future
predictable and secure leads people to irrational thoughts and beliefs.
When emotions are involved, rationality takes a backseat. It becomes
nearly impossible to convince such people and argue with them.
Urbanization,
modernization, globalization, splitting of family into smaller units,
are some factors which may loosen the grip of such irrational beliefs on
the common man. But even in that the success of many modern Gurus show
that people do have dependency needs which need fulfillment.
A
lot can be said about this, but I was happy to read your comments, and
feel free to translate my opinions about the same on your sites and
facebook if you feel so.
Warm Regards
Shreekant Joshi
