การศึกษาเปรียบเทียบเรื่องกรรมในการพยากรณ์ชีวิตที่ปรากฏในโหราศาสตร์และพุทธทำนาย

This dissertation titled “A Comparative Study of the Kamma in Life Predictions appearing in Astrology and Buddhist Prediction” has three primary objectives: (1) to study the concept of karma in relation to life prediction in astrology; (2) to examine the concept of karma in relation to life prediction in Buddhist prophecy; and (3) to comparatively analyze the role of karma in life prediction as presented in astrology and Buddhist prophecy. This research adopts a qualitative methodology, collecting data from the Tipiṭaka, authoritative texts and manuals from various schools of astrology, relevant research studies, and interviews with experts.

The findings for the first objective reveal that the study of "karma" and "life prediction" in astrology reflects a linkage between religious doctrines and divinatory sciences. This is evident in various belief systems, particularly Thai astrology and Indian (Vedic) astrology, which often hold that an individual's destiny is influenced or determined by past karma, manifesting through planetary positions at the time of birth. The principles of astrology align with the law of karma and significantly influence contemporary belief systems. Astrology, in this view, perceives actions and their results as predetermined, differing from the Buddhist concept of karma, where results arise unavoidably from intentional actions, and individuals must accept the consequences of their own deeds.

The findings for the second objective show that, according to Theravāda Buddhist scriptures, karma is fundamentally rooted in volition (intention). The results of karma manifest based on intensity, function, and timing. Predictions concerning karma—whether positive or negative—are governed by natural laws known as kamma-niyāma. Karma and Buddhist prophecy are deeply interconnected as mechanisms of cause and effect. Buddhist prophecy illustrates that human life is not dictated by fate but rather by the consequences of one’s own actions. Thus, understanding Buddhist prophecy leads to a deeper understanding of the principle of karma, encouraging mindful and responsible living in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

The findings for the third objective indicate that comparing the concept of karma in life prediction in astrology and Buddhist prophecy reveals the incorporation of doctrinal knowledge from the Tipiṭaka and other Buddhist scriptures. The research highlights that the Buddha possessed a prophetic insight (buddhañāṇa) that included knowledge of the past (atītaṃsañāṇa), the future (anāgataṃsañāṇa), and the present (paccuppannaṃsañāṇa), demonstrating the supreme wisdom of the Buddha. Life prediction, from this perspective, is akin to reading a karmic map. Those who offer such predictions must possess moral integrity. In astrology, this role is assumed by astrologers and seers (horājāra and mō du), who are expected to adhere to ethical standards. Astrology portrays planetary movements as indicators of life's patterns, serving as a map of life that helps individuals understand their life cycles—when they rise and fall—thus enabling them to prepare and manage future circumstances effectively.