Maharṣi Parāśara names the chapter “Spaṣṭa Bala Adhyāya” where the emphasis is on spaṣṭa which means clearly perceived or discerned i.e. distinctly visible, is plain and intelligible. Unlike the vimśopāka bala which depends on the strength of the planet in the environment (varga), this gives a clear picture of its independent strengths. Spaṣṭa-bala is based on the longitude which is another meaning of the word spaṣṭa. This is the real strength of the planets. Before we jump into calculations and strength estimations, here are a few lessons that would give us a better understanding of the concepts used by Parāśara.
Ṣaḍbala Introduction - Introduction
Before we venture into describing the six sources of strengths, we need to know why there are six strengths, and why not more or less. The answer is simple – that’s because we have six weaknesses called ṣaḍripu. ṣaḍ means six and bala means strength while ripu means weakness.
The ṣaḍripu are kāma (lust), krodha (anger), mada (pride, conceit, intoxication), moha (delusion), lobha (greed) and matsara (envy, jealousy).
Spaṣṭa and Aspaṣṭa Bala Introduction - Ṣaḍbala Defined
Derived from ṣaḍ (six) and bala (strength), ṣaḍbala refers to the six sources of visible or true strength of a planet. These are different from the other sources of strength of the planet which are changeable and therefore considered untrue.
Hanuman flies to Lanka - This first chapter of Sundara Kāṅḍa (Rāmāyana) describes Hanuman’s preparations to cross the ocean in search of Sīta. Mighty Hanuman’s flight over the ocean is described in a glorious detail.
Decision to Leap to Lanka
After that, Hanumān, the destroyer of foes, desired to travel in the sky where celestials like chaaranas tread, to search for Sītā, who was taken away by Rāvaṇa.
