Description
Astrology is one of the traditional arts and sciences of Tibet, where it is known as "the science of calculation," used by monks and lamas in the study of the rhythms and cycles of time, for divination, for choosing auspicious times for rituals and life-cycle events such as marriages and funerals, and as an adjunct to the practice of traditional medicine. This comprehensive introduction to the topic includes: * Historical roots and influences from China and India as well as the Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and the ancient B#65533;n religion of Tibet * The two main branches of Tibetan astrology: Nagtsi, or "black astrology," based on the Chinese system, and Kartsi, or "white astrology," derived from Indian astrology * The twelve- and sixty-year cycles and the twelve animals and five elements associated with them * The mewa, or magical squares, which are numerological factors used to calculate the auspiciousness of days or years * The parkha, or eight trigrams of the I Ching, representing the elements, directions, seasons, and fundamental universal forces * How to analyze the character of hours, days, months, and years, so as to determine auspicious times for various activities * How to cast and interpret a Tibetan horoscope Also included are numerous diagrams and charts that are indispensable to the practice of Tibetan astrology, including tables for converting Western dates to dates on the Tibetan calendar.… (more)
Library's review
This comprehensive introduction to the topic includes discussions of:
historical roots and influences from China and India as well as the Buddhist Kalachakra teachings and the ancient Bon religion of Tibet
the two main branches of Tibetan astrology: Nagtsi, or black astrology,' based on the Chinese system, and Kartsi, or 'white astrology,' derived from Indian astrology
the twelve- and sixty-year cycles and the twelve animals and five elements associated with them
the mewa, or magic squares, which are numerological factors used to calculate the auspiciousness of days or years
the parkha (chinese: pa-kua), or eight tri-grams of the I Ching, representing the elements, directions, seasons, and fundamenal universal forces
how to analyze the character of ours, days, months, and years, so as to determine auspicious times for various activities
how to cast and interpret a Tibetan horoscope
Also included are numerous diagrams and charts that are indispensable to the practice of tibetan astrology,including tables for converting Western dates to dates on the tibetan calendar
Philippe Cornu has studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism with Dudjom Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, and other teachers of the Nyingma tradition. He is the author or translator (into French) of several books on the Nyingma school and Dzogchen.
Contents
Translator's note
Preface
Part one General Considerations
1 The Tibetan setting
The Tibetan area
A little history
The Tibetans
The Tibetans and the natural environment
The astrologer in Tibetan society
2 The sources of Tibetan astrology
The Bon religion
Chinese origins
Indian astrology
The Kalacakra
The birth of astrology according to the Padma Thangyik
3 The foundations of Tibetan astrology
The two realities
Samsara and Nirvana
The place and role of astrology
The wheel of life and the laws of causality
The twelve links of causation
Part Two Practical Astrology
Introduction
The Calendar and practical astrology
The importance of the lunar cycle
4 The main components of choronology and the calendar
The five elements
The twelve animals
The twelve-year cycle
The sixty-year cycle
5 Individual energies and elements
Animals, elements, and individual forces
Yearly calculation of the five forces
Rituals concerning the five personal forces
The wind horse
6 Mewas and Parkhas
The nine mewas
The annual mewas
The eight parkhas
Astrological interpretation of the mewas
The papme
Geomantic interpretation of teh parkhas
7 Kartsi astrology
The zodiac
The two zodiacs
The twenty-seven lunar mansions
The planets
8 Lunar time and the Tibetan year and month
The Tibetan year
The tibetan month
The elemens of the months
9 The Tibetan day or 'Everyday astrology'
Days of the week and month
Daily astrological cycles
the hours
10 Casting and interpreting a horoscope
The chart data
Interpretation
Appendix I Tibetan cosmology
Planetary spirits andlocal deities
Protective diagrams and talismans
the universe
The cosmic man
Appendix 2 Calendar of special days and religious festivals
Great annual ceremonies
Important days of the month
Appendix 3 The written sources and their authors
Tibetan transliterations
Bibliography