A Comparative Study of the Kamma in Life Predictions Appearing in Astrology and Buddhist Prediction

Abstract

This research article has three primary objectives: 1) to study the concept of Karma and life prophecy as presented in astrology; 2) to study Karma and life prophecy as presented in Buddhist prophecies; and 3) to comparatively study Karma and life prophecy in both astrology and Buddhist prophecies. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, collecting and synthesizing data from the Tipitaka, astrological texts from various specialized schools, relevant research papers, and interviews with 13 qualified experts. The research findings are as follows: 1. Karma and life prophecy in astrology represent a connection between religious principles and the art of divination. This is evident in several belief systems, particularly in Thai and Indian (Vedic) astrology, which posit that human destiny is determined or influenced by past Karma, reflected through planetary positions at the time of birth. While astrological principles align with the Law of Karma and significantly influence contemporary beliefs, astrology often suggests that actions and their consequences are predestined. This differs from the Buddhist Law of Karma, which emphasizes that consequences arise from actions that the doer must inevitably accept. 2. Karma in Theravada Buddhist scriptures is fundamentally composed of "Intention" (Cetana). The fruition of Karma follows its intensity, function, and timing. Regarding prophecies related to Karma-both wholesome and unwholesome this fall under the natural law known as Kamma-niyama. Buddhist prophecies reflect that human life does not depend on fate but is entirely the result of one’s own actions, leading to a life of mindfulness and responsibility according to Buddhist Dhamma. 3. The comparison of Karma and life prophecy in astrology and Buddhist prophecy reveals that predicting a horoscope is akin to reading a "Karmic map." Practitioners of prophecy must possess moral virtue. In the field of astrology, prognosticators, master astrologers, and fortune-tellers must understand the principles of Karma. Celestial bodies influence human actions in the sense that if one commits evil, they must receive evil consequences, which subsequently impact their own stars and destiny.