I must admit I have never been a believer in astrology. Not for me the sun signs or horoscopes or astral predictions.
We are talking about Sundeep Kocharfamed astrologer, life coach, poet, and TV celebrity who handles a multitude of grouses and a plethora of issues deftly with a mindful presence, attends to and answers queries with patience, and above all, calms irate residents with a dose of humour. He happens to be the chairman of my housing society in Andheri, Mumbai.
Piqued by his ability to calm the storm, move things forward with positivity, always lend a helping hand, energise people around him, engage with everyone, and through it all, maintain his equilibrium and sense of humour, I wondered whether the study and practice of astrology indeed makes him tick. Maybe there is something to astrology after all. So I decided to interview Sundeep and find out.
If our life is predestined, is there place for free will?
You cannot choose your parents, where you are born, or in what circumstances. All these things are out of your control. 70 per cent of your life is destiny. But I also believe in free will. Even if you are born with a silver spoon, it is up to you how you utilise the resources and opportunities that come your way. Someone who is laid back and not focussed or hard-working will waste that head start. In astrology, we say that things are karam pradhan': your deeds are more important than what you are born with. Consequently, there are so many people from good, wealthy families who haven't made it.
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Life Positive.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Life Positive.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The 20 Best Postmillennial Spiritual Memoirs
If you are a spiritual seeker, then you will find that the list of books recommended here by Ashish Virmani will save you the time and effort of googling for modern spiritual classics to further your journey. And if you are not, perhaps it's time to start the process with these gems
Who says healing is no laughing matter?
In January 2016, Sheetal Agarwal from Delhi heard about medical clowning for the first time.
Zealous healer provides an alternative to allopathy
Satyendra Singh from Mumbai has had a remarkable journey.
Reaching Out with Kriya Yoga
Sanghamitra Chatterjee from Thane was initially inspired by her maternal grandmother and Swami Vivekananda to tread the path of spirituality.
Bavarian Beauty
Rashi Bunny’s decision to visit Bamberg instead of the more touristy cities in Germany gives us a taste of a historical town seeped in picturesque beauty as well as its gory witch-hunting past
The Power of the Gayatri Mantra
Navni Chawla explains the deeper significance of the 'most powerful mantra' by referring to quotes from the late Swami Veda Bharati, whose intuitive wisdom brings forth its splendour
From Squalor to Splendour: Reviving Puducherry
An inspiring tale of a feisty woman's fight to clean up a decaying city. Shivi Verma interviews Kiran Bedi, the formidable former IPS officer, who leaves an indelible impression wherever she goes
What does leading a good life mean?
A life well-lived is one that truly makes you happy and not one where you live according to someone else’s or the world’s idea of happiness.
Messenger of the masters
In a conversation with Pradeep Krishnan, Ann Shaw reveals how her spiritual journey led to her awakening at the feet of her master, Sri Ramakant Maharaj, a direct disciple of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Freedom from Mind
As Suma Varughese embarks on freeing herself of the mind, she finds her allies in her inner Spiritual Warrior and her Vast Higher Self