490. Prasannan

PrasannanPrasannan had a fascination for Astronomy from an early age, having built his own telescope, and spent his teenage years studying the stars and planets. He was the president of the Astronomy, and Photography Clubs in high school. He always understood that what we see is only a tiny portion of the totality.

At Easter, in 1987, he attended a retreat which resulted in a spiritual awakening, leading him to conclude that he had always been on a spiritual path. As a result, he adopted a celibate (brahmacharya) lifestyle.

Having studied the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Ramana Maharshi, and Swami Sivananda, he heard about Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), and met her during her 1990 North American tour. At the time, he held a senior management position in corporate finance.

He had a natural motivation towards engaging in serving selflessly (Seva). The Sanskrit word “Seva” means helping others out of compassion, without a conscious thought of receiving personal benefit.

Prasannan moved to Amritapuri, India in 1992; on arriving he was placed in charge of the computer room, and developed a new accounting system, training the brahmacharins (monks) in its use; at the same time a Jyotish software program was acquired, which Prasannan became responsible for. At the direction of Amma, he began his practice of Jyotish, which continues to this day.

He travelled around the world with Amma, providing Jyotish interpretations during her programs. At other times he conducted sessions in India, raising funds for Amma charities.

After 19 years in India, he returned to Canada and established his independent Jyotish practice. After more than 2 decades of brahmacharya, he married Maya, the love of his life!

Prasannan has consulted with more than 60,000 clients throughout the world. He answers questions about all areas of life, material, familial, health, and well-being, as well as spiritual.

Website: prasannanjyotish.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded February 9, 2019.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:04:28 – The Journey to Jyotish Practice
  • 00:08:11 – The Differences between Vedic and Western Astrology
  • 00:11:53 – The Significance of the Birth Chart
  • 00:15:16 – The Existence of Souls on the Astral Plane
  • 00:18:54 – The Evolution of Jyotish
  • 00:22:40 – The Power of Alignment and Eclipses
  • 00:26:31 – Planets and their Qualities
  • 00:30:30 – The Universe as Reflective Intelligence
  • 00:34:36 – The Complexity of Karma and the Intelligent Universe
  • 00:38:16 – Jyotish as a Road Map for Liberation
  • 00:41:48 – Planetary Influences on Fertility
  • 00:45:09 – Reincarnation and the Bible’s removal of references
  • 00:48:51 – The Battle Between Free Will and Divine Will
  • 00:53:00 – Twins and Individual Lives
  • 00:56:29 – Difficulties in Obtaining Accurate Birth Times in Kerala
  • 00:59:55 – The Power of Stones
  • 01:03:44 – Concerns about marriage and job prospects
  • 01:07:23 – The Unpredictability of Life’s Events
  • 01:11:09 – Astrological Effects on Travel and Location Choices
  • 01:14:26 – The Influence of Planetary Cycles
  • 01:17:51 – The Complexity of Karma and Lottery
  • 01:21:49 – The Impact of Planetary Alignment
  • 01:25:35 – Awakening and Integration
  • 01:29:29 – The Role of Jyotish in Circumventing Problems.
  • 01:33:16 – Vedic Astrology and Prognostication
  • 01:36:39 – Advancements in Computer Programs for Astrology
  • 01:40:05 – The Importance of Data Backup+Privately Safeguarded Techniques
  • 01:43:41 – Death and Enlightenment
  • 01:47:09 – Personal Biases and Jyotish