Sunday, October 12, 2003		Books

The Power of Numbers
by P. Khurrana. Crest Publishing House. Pages 256. Rs 125.

HUMAN nature is such that even if we have everything we could possibly want, we still keep looking for ways to find out what the future holds for us. In our quest for the perfect future, we are willing to try anything under the sun that holds the promise of better times ahead. Everyone has their own theory about choosing the occult form which they believe works best for them. These range from readings based on tarot cards, sun signs, moon signs, crystals, palmistry and vaastu to numerology. These forms of readings are based on ancient systems developed and passed on to us by our forefathers. Numerology seeks to unfold the past, look at the present and predict the future. Cheiro, the father of numerology, was the first to link it to astrology.

In this book P. Khurrana, renowned astrologer, numerologist, vaastu and yantra shastri, demystifies the world of numbers by associating them with certain wavelengths and explaining the substantial effects they have on the cosmos. He does astrological readings for Bollywood and big business tycoons, apart from being an author and columnist for many leading publications and a participant in an astrology-based television programme.

In the preface he says that though 13 is considered an unlucky number in the West, the Hindu tradition considers all numbers to be good; however some can be better than others. A lot of importance is given to the number nine in Indian philosophy. The last of basic numbers, it is considered to be the crest of perfection. Many people believe that eight is a bad number as it is the number of Saturn which is supposed to harbour death and destruction. He opposes this vehemently as he believes that it is a number of truthfulness and sacrifice. He says that every number has its virtues and vices and it may have different connotations for different people. Thus, the same number can be lucky for one person and unlucky for another.

The first chapter, Numbers and Planets, deals with the relationship between the two in a cause and effect manner. It indicates the physical attributes linked with a particular number. Various diseases that afflict people associated with that number are also listed. It tells gives advice regarding friends and enemies. Lucky numbers, colours, stones and vocations are also given. It also suggests which deities should be worshiped by a person depending on the number of that person.

Birth Dates and their Significance takes up all numbers from one to 31. In this chapter the author explains in detail and in a very easy-to-understand language the characteristics of each number. He refers to the various articles that can be donated, the mantra and the yantra that help to elevate any misfortune that a number might bring about. In an effort to further simplify the format of the book, he lists the various good and bad points that a person with a particular date of birth may have. Generally, in books related to numerology, only single numbers are taken up, whereas this book goes a step further and deals with compound numbers as well. A list of important persons born on each date has also been included.

The author discusses the association between names and numbers on the basis of numbers assigned to various alphabets, giving tips regarding mantras to be chanted and stones to be worn by a person whose name adds up to any total from one to 108. He takes up each gem individually and narrates its negative and positive points along with the way in which it can help a particular medical condition. A small note on the use of crystals has also been included.

It is a good introductory book in which the author makes a sincere effort to discuss numbers. How relevant it is to you depends on the amount of faith you have in numerology. But at the same time, not many of us are immune to the magic of numbers even if we are not interested in predictions or readings.