Drigdasa

Drigdasa is a rasi-based dasha system in Vedic astrology that focuses on spiritual development and evolution. The term "Drig" means vision, and Drigdasa is a dasha based on aspects (drishti). It shows how spiritual vision develops in a native and steers one's life.

Unlike planet-based dashas like Vimshothari or Ashtottari, Drigdasa is based on the progression of houses and their aspects. It is particularly valuable for predicting spiritual growth, religious activities, and the evolution of one's soul. If a native's chart promises spiritual growth, this dasha system can provide detailed timing for religious and spiritual activities.

Drigdasa is one of several rasi-based dasha systems described in classical texts, each with its own specific application and focus area. While Narayana Dasha is often used for general life events and Lagna Kendradi Rasi Dasha for material prosperity, Drigdasa is particularly suited for spiritual matters.

Calculation Method

The calculation of Drigdasa involves the following steps:

Starting Point: Dashas start from the 9th house (house of dharma, religion, and higher knowledge).
First Set of Dashas: The first 4 dashas belong to the 9th house and the 3 signs aspected by it. The order of reckoning is forward or backward based on whether the 9th house is odd-footed or even-footed.
- If the 9th house is in an odd-footed sign (Ar, Ta, Ge, Li, Sc, Sg), the direction is forward
- If the 9th house is in an even-footed sign (Cn, Le, Vi, Cp, Aq, Pi), the direction is backward
Second Set of Dashas: The next 4 dashas belong to the 10th house and the 3 signs aspected by it. The order of reckoning is forward or backward based on whether the 10th house is odd-footed or even-footed.
Third Set of Dashas: The last 4 dashas belong to the 11th house and the 3 signs aspected by it. The order of reckoning is forward or backward based on whether the 11th house is odd-footed or even-footed.
Dasha Periods: The length of each dasha is determined using the same method as in Narayana Dasha (based on the position of the lord of the dasha rasi with respect to the dasha rasi itself).

Note: In Vedic astrology, each sign aspects certain other signs. A movable sign (Ar, Cn, Li, Cp) aspects the other three movable signs. A fixed sign (Ta, Le, Sc, Aq) aspects the other three fixed signs. A dual sign (Ge, Vi, Sg, Pi) aspects the other three dual signs.

Examples of Dasha Calculation

Example 1: Lagna in Libra

For a person with Libra ascendant:

The 9th house is Gemini, the 10th house is Cancer, and the 11th house is Leo
Gemini is an odd-footed sign, so we go forward to find the signs that aspect Gemini: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces
Cancer is an even-footed sign, so we go backward to find the signs that aspect Cancer: Cancer, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio
Leo is an even-footed sign, so we go backward to find the signs that aspect Leo: Leo, Aries, Capricorn, and Libra
The complete dasha sequence is: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces, Cancer, Taurus, Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, Aries, Capricorn, Libra

Example 2: Lagna in Aquarius

For a person with Aquarius ascendant:

The 9th house is Libra, the 10th house is Scorpio, and the 11th house is Sagittarius
Libra is an odd-footed sign, so we go forward to find the signs that aspect Libra: Libra, Aquarius, Taurus, and Leo
Scorpio is an odd-footed sign, so we go forward to find the signs that aspect Scorpio: Scorpio, Capricorn, Aries, and Cancer
Sagittarius is an odd-footed sign, so we go forward to find the signs that aspect Sagittarius: Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo
The complete dasha sequence is: Libra, Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, Virgo

Interpretation Principles

When interpreting Drigdasa periods, consider the following principles:

Arudha Lagna and Renunciation: Dasha of Arudha Lagna (AL) can bring renunciation if there are parivraja yogas (combinations for renunciation) in the chart.
External Spiritual Activities: Dashas of signs aspecting Arudha Lagna can bring external activities that are important for one's spiritual evolution.
Internal Awakening: Dasha of lagna and the 7th house can bring internal awakening and self-realization.
Spiritual Leadership: Dasha of lagna can also bring fame and power related to spreading spiritual knowledge. A monk may, for example, become the Chief Pontiff of a monastery.
Mantra Initiation: Dashas of signs containing or aspecting mantrapada (A5, arudha pada of the 5th house) can bring a religious initiation or sadhana (rigorous practice) of a mantra.
Yogic Practices: Dasha of the sign containing mrityupada (A8, arudha pada of 8th house) can bring yogic sadhana. It can activate Kundalini shakti.
Ketu's Influence: Ketu is the significator of moksha (final liberation). Dasha of the sign containing Ketu can bring spiritual activities that take one towards liberation. Ketu is considered the only planet who can give real spiritual awakening and liberation.
Rahu's Influence: Dasha of the sign containing Rahu can create progress after internal turmoil if Rahu is favorable. If Rahu is unfavorable, it can take the native in the direction of materialism.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: ISKCON Devotee

An ISKCON devotee with Aquarius ascendant was disillusioned with the materialistic world, left his education in mathematics at a Russian university, wandered in the forests for a few months, and then found ISKCON. He was introduced to ISKCON and moved to a monastery in 1990.

Leo dasha ran during January 1987 to January 1994
Leo is the 7th house from lagna (representing the visible self) and contains Ketu (significator of moksha)
This combination gave spiritual awakening and led to his renunciation of worldly life and joining a spiritual organization

Case Study 2: Sri Aurobindo Ghose

Sri Aurobindo Ghose was an Indian political activist, freedom fighter, yogi, spiritual teacher, and renowned author who wrote excellent commentaries on Vedas, Upanishads, etc.

During 1906-1913, he was running Scorpio dasha
Scorpio is the 7th house from AL; it aspects lagna; and it contains its lord Ketu
This combination brought internal awakening and took him close to liberation
During this period, he was imprisoned by the British (1908) and underwent a spiritual transformation in prison
After his release in 1910, he withdrew from active politics and started an ashram in Pondicherry, India

During 1918-1925, he ran Cancer dasha. As Cancer contained his lagna, its dasha brought true enlightenment and also recognition. During this period, the number of students in his ashram grew manifold.

Libra's dasha started in August 1925. Libra contained mrityupada and had the argala (intervention) of Ketu. During this period, Sri Aurobindo left the material and spiritual charge of his ashram to the Mother and retired into seclusion to pursue yogic sadhana.

Drigdasa is a powerful tool for understanding the spiritual journey of an individual. It is particularly useful for those who have a strong spiritual inclination or those who are on a path of spiritual growth. By analyzing the dashas and their lords, an astrologer can provide insights into when a person might experience spiritual awakening, undergo religious initiation, or engage in spiritual practices.

For comprehensive predictions, it's recommended to use Drigdasa in conjunction with other dasha systems like Vimshothari Dasha (for general life events) and Narayana Dasha (for power and status). Each dasha system provides a different perspective, and together they can offer a more complete picture of a person's life journey.