Maharishi has given us this beautiful program which allows us to release the grip of the Grahas and make more enlightened choices, and thus enjoy greater freedom in life. In this way, the Maharishi Yagya program contributes directly to a state of ultimate freedom in which we can choose anything, be anything, and be successful at anything.

Interview with Norin and Thyra Isquith, Maharishi Jyotish Administrators for the Eastern United States.

“Yagya is regarded as the means to that complete success in life which consists of all possible achievements in the world, together with freedom from bondage. Yagya, in fact, is a means to accomplish perfection in life.”

—Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 3, verse 11.

What is meant by the term Graha Shanti?

Graha Shanti is a Sanskrit phrase. The word Shanti means peace, and Graha is translated as “planet.” But the term Graha actually means much more than that. It represents specific forces in Nature that are seated in the planets, and are also seated in the human brain physiology. So Graha Shanti means to create a peaceful relationship with the planets, but also with the administrative forces of Nature that have a direct influence on our own physiology.

Graha can also be translated as “that which grasps or seizes.” In this sense, the Graha is a force in nature that has a grip on our physiology, awareness and emotions—and thus a grip on the destiny of our life. The influence from the Grahas determines our day-to-day experiences, and affects the decisions that we make.

Of course, the Grahas are only returning the influences that were created by us in the past. A Maharishi Yagya performance for a peaceful relationship with a Graha has the influence of releasing the grip of the Graha, freeing us to make more evolutionary choices in our lives.

Can you give an example of that?

At one time or another I think everyone has had the thought, “I’d like to make a different choice, but somehow I’m not able to.” That inability to make the right choice may be due to a planetary influence. We might experience this influence as a habit that is hard to break. For instance, we may keep making the same mistakes in our relationships, in our business, or for our health.

Maharishi has given us this beautiful program which allows us to release the grip of the Grahas and make more enlightened choices, and thus enjoy greater freedom in life. In this way, the Maharishi Yagya program contributes directly to our growing enlightenment, because enlightenment means a state of ultimate freedom in which we can choose anything, be anything, and be successful at anything.

What kinds of Personal Maharishi Yagya performances are available for individuals and organizations?

Planetary or Graha Shanti Yagyas make peace with the Grahas. They are most fundamental, because the planets or Grahas are the forces of Nature that control our individual destiny. Planetary Yagyas can remove obstacles or avert problems caused by the Grahas.

Specific Purpose Yagyas help fulfill a particular desire. For example, you could request a Yagya for improvement of health, better memory, improved sleep, harmonious family relationships, increased wealth, or spiritual progress. There are specific Maharishi Yagya performances to remove obstacles and bring support of Nature to almost any area of life.

However, Specific Purpose Yagyas will be more effective if we first take care of the planetary influences through Graha Shanti. So the Planetary Yagyas or Graha Shanti Yagyas are essential, and are the most important ones to do first.

How long will it take to fulfill a desire after having a Maharishi Yagya performance?

That will depend on many things, including the nature of the desire, how much support is seen in the Birth Chart, and whether this is a favorable time for fulfilling that desire. It could be that it happens very quickly, or it could take some weeks or months.

Individual effort is also an important aspect of the Maharishi Yagya program. An opportunity may come due to the Maharishi Yagya performance, but you have to take action. You have to step up and take advantage of that opportunity.

How can special days in the Vedic Calendar enhance Maharishi Yagya performances?

The Maharishi Jyotish program provides a Vedic Calendar of auspicious dates for Yagya performances. There are certain days in the Vedic Calendar on which the Laws of Nature are more awake and alert to support specific desires and needs. Maharishi Yagya performances for special purposes done on these days have a greater influence and can more easily fulfill a desire. For example, on the Day for Removing Obstacles (the Birthday of Ganesh) a Yagya for the removal of obstacles would generally be performed.

In the days of Vedic civilization, specific Yagyas were performed on certain days in order to bring the greatest effect. You can help re-enliven this tradition by scheduling Maharishi Yagya performances during these auspicious days.

How often should a person have a Personal Maharishi Yagya performance?

Maharishi suggested that we have our birth chart reviewed at least once a year, and then schedule the recommended Maharishi Yagya performances. In this way the Yagyas can be performed before a new cycle of time begins or a planetary transit occurs, to ensure a peaceful relationship with the Grahas and continued support of Nature.

This is the general suggestion, however in some cases additional Maharishi Yagya performances may be recommended at other specific times during the year.

Maharishi felt that everyone should know how to secure their own future, and this is the main purpose of the Maharishi Jyotish and Maharishi Yagya programs.

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View a list of Auspicious Days in the Vedic Calendar.