PREFACE
The world we live in
is full of suffering and problems. Despite prosperity and wealth
humans are unhappy. They do not know the key to success and
happiness. The people afflicted with miseries and calamities
either seek solace in temples, churches and sacred places or visit
hermits, godmen or spiritual gurus for the mitigation of their
suffering and pain, for happiness and resolution of their
problems. There are so many persons who worship gods and goddesses
for alleviation of their miseries. But, on the other hand, some
take recourse to astrology and astrotherapy.
India is reputed for
her ancient wisdom and sacred lore. Paul Brunton, an eminent
journalist of England visited India in 1935 in search of mystics,
saints and yogis known for their miraculous powers. His book, ‘A
Search for Secret India’ gives a vivid description of mystified
individuals possessing supernatural powers embodying popular ideas
on natural and social phenomena.
Apart from the above
sources of solace, gems which are known for their extremely
precious value are also believed to have the power to propitiate
evil stars or minimize their evil influence on life. There is a
direct astrological relationship between precious stones and human
stars. The astrologers in India prescribe a particular stone or a
gem for remedying a particular problem. These precious stones are
known for their hidden mysterious powers which can seek prosperity
and get rid of persistent illnesses and ward off evil. Thus gems
are not only recognized as a form of jewellery but are also known
for their potential to exercise a soothing influence on our life.
Almost all politicians or industrialists talk of the planetary
influence which causes good or bad events in their life and many
of them can be seen wearing a particular stone which they believe
can change the course of events in their favour.
In order to take up
research on these points I prepared a questionnaire and sent it to
500 carefully selected people to elicit the requisite information
about the social beliefs prevalent in Indian society and find out
whether there is evidence to confirm the favourable impact of gems
on their lives. I feel heartened to say that a fairly good number
of people responded to my questionnaire. Apart from it, I also
interviewed a large number of people in this connection and got
necessary information. These personal encounters proved quite
beneficial.
The main objective of
my study was to bring to light not only the structural beauty of
Sapphire but also the influence it exerts on one's stars and the
way it can cure humans of their morbid diseases. The other
objective was to highlight the benefits one could derive from the
use of sapphire without going to an astrologer. Along with this
study, a study of other important gems was also undertaken.
The first two chapters
of this treatise focus on the antiquity, origin, kinds of gems,
and their physical, chemical and geological properties as well as
on the importance of gems in modern life and the fast spreading
beliefs that they help human beings to tide over difficult
situations and earn big fortunes for them.
The third chapter
throws light on the historical background of sapphire and traces
its origin and growth from the ancient time to the present age.
Chapter four elucidates how blue sapphire is related to astrology.
A broad outline of gems, astrology, and the use of sapphire in an
appropriate manner to achieve better results has also been given.
Chapter five describes gem therapy in detail and analyses its
healing powers. This Chapter says that humans have always been
fascinated by its beauty, colour and splendour. Sages and
philosophers have established a correlation between human emotions
and the effects of their colours (rays) upon them and there is a
need to strike a correct balance between the two in every one’s
life. Gemstones represent various planets and their proximity to
human body increases the beneficial effects of one's governing
planets.
Chapter six deals with
the significance of chandeliers studded with gemstones. In the
days gone by, solenoid chandeliers of various hues remained
suspended from the ceilings of the halls of royal palaces. An
emerald or a sapphire chandelier not only enhances instantly the
elegance and splendour of the inner environment of a palace or a
hotel it is chosen to adorn but also brings the owner a rare
fortune he might not have even dreamt of. It embodies astounding
astrological attributes. The radiations it emits purge the
environment inside a palace of its mundane gloom that hurls
obstacles in the path of the owner of such magnificent structures.
We can see the
emergence of modern palaces, Havelis, and other buildings modelled
on the ancient patterns today. But those who have ventured to
embark upon this challenging task lose sight of the fact that the
monumental ancient castles and buildings stood the ravages of time
on account of their wonderful chandeliers which shoot off rays of
different hues to ward off evil influence.
I express my gratitude
to Prof. Jan R. Hakemulder who inspired me to carry research into
this vitally significant but the least known area. I am also
thankful to my supervisor, Dr. S.L. Gandhi, for his valuable
guidance and assistance extended to me in my research work from
time to time. My special thanks are also due to Mr. Mahendra Jain
whose insights went a long way in making the book a work of
importance, and my wife Ratna without whose inspiration and
support the bringing out of this book would not have been
possible.
Jaipur
13 April,
2002
Dr. P.C. Lunia