Text 12] Birth of Emperor Pariksit 621
PURPORT

Astronomical calculations of stellar influences upon a living being are
not suppositions but are factual, as confirmed in Srimad-Bhdgavatam.
Every living being is controlled by the laws of nature at every minute, just
as a citizen is controlled by the influence of the state. The state laws are
grossly observed, but the laws of material nature, being subtle to our gross
understanding, cannot be experienced grossly. As stated in the Bhagavad-
gita (Bg. 3.9), every action of life produces another reaction, which is
binding upon us, and only those who are acting on behalf of Yajiia (Visnu)
are not bound by reactions. Our actions are judged by the higher authori-
ties, the agents of the Lord, and thus we are awarded bodies according to
our activities. The law of nature is so subtle that every part of our body
is influenced by the respective stars, and a living being obtains his working
body to fulfill his terms of imprisonment by the manipulation of such
astronomical influence. A man’s destiny is therefore ascertained by the
birthtime constellation of stars, and a factual horoscope is made by a
learned astrologer. It is a great science, and misuse of a science does not
make it useless. Maharaja Pariksit or even the Personality of Godhead
appear in certain constellations of good stars, and thus the influence is
exerted upon the body thus born at an auspicious moment. The most
auspicious constellation of stars takes place during the appearance of the
Lord on this material world, and it is specifically called jayanti and is not
to be abused for any other purposes. Maharaja Pariksit was not only a
great ksatriya emperor, but also a great devotee of the Lord. Thus he
cannot take his birth at any inauspicious moment. As a proper place and
time is selected to receive a respectable personage, so also to receive a
personality like Maharaja Pariksit, who is especially cared for by the
Supreme Lord, a suitable moment is chosen when all good stars assembled
together to exert their influence upon the King. Thus he took his birth
just to be known as the great hero of Srimad-Bhagavatam. This suitable
arrangement of astral influences is never a creation of man’s will, but is
the arrangement of the superior management of the agency of the Supreme
Lord. Of course, the arrangement is made according to the good or bad
deeds of the living being. Herein lies the importance of pious acts per-
formed by the living being. By pious acts only can one be allowed to get
good wealth, good education and beautiful features. The samskaras of the
school of sandtana-dharma (man’s eternal engagement) are highiy suitable
for creating an atmosphere for taking advantage of good stellar influences,
