SHRAVANA

Shravana extends from 280° 00' to 293° 20' (10° 00' to 23° 20' Capricorn). Capricorn, in which this nakshatra lies, is ruled by Saturn, but the asterism itself is assigned to the Moon. The influence of Shravana must therefore operate in a very uncongenial milieu. The presiding deity is Vishnu or Hari, the preserver of the universe. In spite of the difficulties arising from the Moon-Saturn combination, Shravana provides the impulse which helps sustain the established order against any opposing force. The primary attribute of the asterism is sattwa, the secondary is tamas, and the tertiary is rajas, implying that Shravana will support any activity which leads harmony, though it may have to confront difficulties during the process due to tamasic proclivities creating certain impediments. The primary motivational impulse energizing this asterism is artha, which represents purposeful action. Shravana is male by sex, outcaste by caste, a monkey among the species, a man temperament, and a quadruped among the animals. by

The essential feature of Shravana is the Great Silence, upon which subsists the entire scheme of manifestation. The asterism leads one to meditation. If someone is still on a materialistic path and in need of considerable experience to equip himself for a spiritual orientation, he will develop those qualities under Shravana.

Shravana means "listening," the necessary quality which leads to alertness. Only after subjugating personal emotions and thoughts can one listen to that cosmic music which reveals the beauty and harmony of the universe and purifies the inner nature of man. Shravana can enable one to attune himself to Naada, the cosmic ideational sound which leads to one-pointedness. This requires the persistence of a mongoose and the eager intellect of a monkey. A person engaged in preparing himself for this kind of life is often isolated from his friends, almost like an outcaste.