Wit and Astrology

The Self-Proclaimed Astrologer

In a certain village lived a Brahmin who passed himself off as an astrologer. No doubt, he had once spent time with a true astrologer and had managed to remember a few fundamental principles of astrology. He could even recite a proverb or two in Sanskrit. However, for the most part, he relied on bluffing. Occasionally, some of his predictions miraculously came true by chance, of course! But this was enough for the simple villagers to believe him.

A Question of Luck

One morning, Som Shastri, another Brahmin from the village, encountered the astrologer on the road and asked, “Well, will you be pleased to tell me whether this day will bring me any good luck or not?”

The astrologer acted as if he were meditating for a moment before responding, “Be careful today. Do not accept anybody’s advice.”

Ignoring Advice

Som Shastri returned home, determined to avoid meeting anyone that day. However, a little later, his neighbor, Ram Shastri, walked into his house and exclaimed, “Hurry up, Som! Let us go to the next village. A great feast is taking place, and all Brahmins are welcome.”

Despite Ram’s inviting offer, Som Shastri remained resolute in his decision not to accept anyone’s advice that day. Additionally, he remembered that a rich merchant in his own village was hosting a religious function that very day. Thus, he chose to ignore his neighbor’s proposal, and Ram Shastri left alone.

The Outcome of Choices

Som Shastri attended the merchant’s function in his village and received one rupee as a gift. Later in the afternoon, his neighbor Ram Shastri returned from the next village, boasting, “You won’t believe what we received today five rupees and a pair of clothes each! Why did you refuse to accompany me?”

Som Shastri felt deep regret for not heeding Ram Shastri’s advice. His anger directed at the astrologer grew, as it was the astrologer’s warning against following anyone’s advice that led him to ignore Ram’s suggestion.

Seeking Justice

In frustration, Som rushed to the village headman and exclaimed, “You should instantly punish the astrologer. He knows nothing of astrology yet dares to give advice on important matters!” He then recounted everything that had occurred to him.

The headman summoned the astrologer to his presence and explained Som Shastri’s complaint, asking, “Why did you misguide Som? He lost out today because of your advice!”

The Astrologer’s Defense

The astrologer smiled and replied, “Believe me, sir, I did not misguide Som Shastri. It was simply his luck today to miss any opportunities for gain.”

“But it was because you advised him not to be guided by anyone that he ignored Ram Shastri’s invitation to go to the next village!” insisted the headman. “Er sir! Don’t you see his mistake? I merely said he should not be guided by anyone’s advice today. Why, then, did he follow my advice? I was the first person to advise him. He should have considered that!” explained the astrologer.

Conclusion

Neither the headman nor Som Shastri could counter the astrologer’s reasoning. With a light heart, the astrologer left, merrily reciting some Sanskrit proverb that no one understood. Som Shastri returned home, deep in thought.