After consulting astrological factors like the nakshatra (lunar mansion), the family also chose August 15th. However, I started feeling that what we are doing feels somewhat artificial—as if it isn’t happening naturally. Is it okay to decide on a date like this? It feels like we are imposing our own wishes; initially, I was happy to hear August 15th was an option because of Sri Aurobindo’s birthday, but later I felt that by choosing the date based on these factors, we are making the process artificial rather than natural. So, is it alright to choose a baby’s birth date in this manner?
Trying to find an auspicious date, hoping for a better future through the limited means given to man, stepping back from the first impulse and making rational choices are all part of human nature and hence natural. Medicine itself, as well as technology and all else invented by the human mind, is also natural in the sense that it is an extension of our mind that is given to us by Nature. Animals are driven by vital nature, whereas man makes choices by his mental nature. So when confronted with choices, as in the instance of possible delivery or CS date, when one chooses a date with the motive of seeing a happy future, it is part of human nature and hence natural to man. In fact, it is given to man to make rational choices based on what he believes and hopes to be the best.
Artificial, in the human context, is to project what one is not, to show off by modifying appearances to impress outwardly, such as through cosmetics, luxury cars, branded dresses, makeup to impress, etc. This too is artificial only in a certain sense, for we find examples of this in the animal world, of camouflage, of deception, of putting on a show or dance to woo, etc. However, animals do it, driven by instinct of survival and prolongation of the species. Man does so to consciously deceive, with hypocritical intent for selfish advantages. This is where the word artificial would apply, to show off what one is not.
Having said that, humanity lives in ignorance and he tries to master fate by external means such as dates, astrology, external machinery, etc. But the scroll of destiny is not affected so easily. Fate follows its own course until one learns the lesson and changes within.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
