Why are we studying BPHS in this way?
This is the same way in which we have learned the BṛhatParāśaraHorāŚāstra (BPHS), and this is exactly how we intend to teach this Vedic text. The current form of BPHS is the result of efforts to recover this lost scripture. Even at the height of his fame, Varāhamihira did not have access to BPHS, which suggests that this text was not publicly available and was preserved secretly by a few Brahmin families.
Later, fragmented chapters were recovered from across North India, and various versions of BPHS were published, each containing additional chapters. It is believed that the original text had 108 chapters, of which around 100 are currently available.
Teaching Method
Typically, BPHS is taught starting from Chapter 3, which deals with the characteristics of planets, and only at the end do we reach the incarnations (avatāras) of Lord Viṣṇu. Only then do we truly understand the differences between the various avatāras.
For PJC Year-1, we follow a well-defined structure in which 28 chapters of BPHS are taught systematically—this itself is a significant achievement. We begin by learning about:
- Planets (graha)
- Upagrahas (including shadow planets)
- Zodiac signs (rāśi)
- Houses (bhāva)
Integrative Understanding
Next, we bring these factors together and learn how planets influence signs and houses. This begins with understanding the role of sign lords and how their placement in different houses affects other houses. This is essential for proper chart interpretation.
Importance of Dṛṣṭi (Aspects)
A key focus of this year is dṛṣṭi (aspects). We first learn rāśidṛṣṭi in a natural way, followed by grahadṛṣṭi. We also study the precise differences between these two types of aspects, enabling us to understand their distinct causes.
We then learn how to derive meanings of planets based on these aspects. For example, it is commonly understood that Mars, the warrior, also signifies brahmacarya (celibacy), because a fighter must conserve energy to perform well. But can we logically explain this?
Without a logical derivation of why Mars signifies celibacy, we cannot truly understand its power and influence. Only then can we extend its meaning properly.
Conclusion
There is a vast amount to learn in just the first year of the Parāśara Jyotiṣa Course
