Significance of Moon
Synonyms: Celestial body, Night light
In Spanish: Luna; In Dutch: Maan; In Finnish: Kuu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Moon'
In Buddhism, the Moon symbolizes beauty, reflecting the Buddha's luminous qualities, while also representing the potential for misconceptions and visual delusions associated with its appearance in the night sky.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A metaphor used to describe the ideal state of freedom from attachment, reflecting detachment and serenity.[1] (2) A symbol of purity and illumination, representing the clarity and brightness that arise from good behavior.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Symbol of beauty in the simile used for the Buddha, showcasing his luminous qualities.[3]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A celestial body that is often subject to misconceptions regarding its appearance or essence.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the celestial body situated in space, symbolizing the true Dharma in this context.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Moon'
In Hinduism, the Moon symbolizes reflection, intuition, beauty, and compassion. It represents unreciprocated love, is associated with Soma, and reflects divine qualities, highlighting its significance in spiritual journeys and nature's cycles.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The celestial body referred to by the syllable 'atha', associated with food and sustenance.[6] (2) Another celestial body involved in the spiritual journey, symbolizing a phase of reflection or intuition.[7] (3) The destination they reach after going from the sky, recognized as the world of the moon.[8]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The realm to which the Self is said to go after passing away from this world.[9] (2) A place referenced as a destination for souls after departing from this world, regardless of their actions, as per religious scripture.[10]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Symbolically represents the realm where souls who have performed lesser virtuous acts reside before re-entering the cycle of birth.[11] (2) The Moon signifies the reflective aspect of consciousness and the phases of spiritual growth and insights received by the seeker.[12]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The moon is referred to as the food and is symbolically linked to nourishment.[13] (2) Symbolically represents 'food' in the process of creation, vital for sustaining life.[14]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Another celestial object mentioned in relation to light, implying that its light is derived rather than inherent.[15]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Another celestial entity that followed the path of understanding Brahman after Indra and others.[16]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A celestial body mentioned in the context of time that is related to the duration of punishment.[17] (2) A celestial body that symbolizes beauty and is associated with the love and yearning of the cakora birds.[18] (3) A natural satellite that reflects light from the sun.[19] (4) A celestial body that the cakora bird longs for, representing something yearned for.[20] (5) Referred to as nakshatresha in the text, highlighting its celestial significance.[21]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The natural satellite of Earth, used as a metaphorical focal point of light and guidance in the context of devotion and admiration.[22]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Celestial body that is described as walking on its tops, symbolizing tranquility and beauty.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A reference to the beauty of the prospective consorts, suggesting an ideal standard of grace and charm.[24] (2) A figurative phrase used to describe the radiant face of Urvashi, symbolizing beauty and serenity.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Represented by the term jaivatrikah, indicating this celestial body.[26] (2) The celestial body orbiting Earth, often associated with various symbolic meanings in different cultures.[27]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A celestial body observed to move faster than the Sun, affecting day and night cycles and serving as a life-giver in the context of nature.[28]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another celestial entity acknowledged in worship, representing calmness and emotional balance.[29]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The king and lord of medicinal herbs, whose association with them signifies joy and the attainment of cherished desires through gifting.[30]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Described as the lord of herbs, nectar, and Brahmanas, illustrating its importance in the narrative.[31]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Another celestial body, believed to nourish crops and exert influence over beings.[32]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Corresponds to the mind in the context of Agni; symbolizes reflection and thought.[33] (2) The celestial body where the gods relocated their imperishable place of worship for safety during conflict.[34] (3) Signified as being above, linked to the mind and speech; central to the act of thinking.[35] (4) Symbolizes the offerings made to the sun and also represents joy in relation to the sun and breath.[36] (5) Identified with Soma, it is described as one of Agni's forms.[37]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The celestial body that plays a symbolic role in the metaphor of compassion and emotional relief.[38] (2) An astronomical body being queried for its presence and features in the context provided.[39] (3) A natural satellite known for its phases; in this text, it embodies qualities of bashfulness and humility, especially upon rising.[40] (4) A celestial body referred to in the text, used metaphorically to represent beauty and serenity in nature.[41]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) One of the eight guardian deities represented by a celestial body.[42] (2) Another celestial body that shines and follows its assigned path due to fear of punishment.[43]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Another celestial body personified as a divine being in the text.[44]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A celestial body referred to as Candramah, known for its changing phases and pleasing qualities.[45]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An example used to illustrate the concept of changing states, where it appears big while remaining the same entity.[46]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The celestial body whose down-turned digit is said to drop nectar on the forehead of Sada-Shiva.[47]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The moon (candra) is a spherical celestial body that is always positioned below the sun and possesses one illumined half and one dark half.[48]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A celestial body associated with qualities such as calmness and reflection, linked to Aghora.[49]
Jain concept of 'Moon'
In Jainism, the Moon symbolizes beauty and luminosity, akin to a celestial body that adorns the queen’s vision with ear ornaments, reflecting the importance of aesthetics and celestial influences in spiritual perception.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A celestial body that makes an arrangement of ear-ornaments in the queen's vision, indicating beauty and luminosity.[50] (2) A metaphor used by Queen Dharini to denote her noble birth and high status, contrasted with her current situation.[51] (3) A celestial body that exists at the end of 80 yojanas above the sun.[52]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Referred to as Candrama, it is the celestial body mentioned at the end of Chapter Ten.[53] (2) Another celestial body that may symbolize reflection, intuition, or the passage of time in the discussions.[54]
The concept of Moon in local and regional sources
The Moon symbolizes the younger brother, embodying aspects of ease and authority derived from the nurturing influence of the Mother, according to regional sources. This connection underscores themes of guidance and protection.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The moon shone brightly in the sky, appearing round and large, akin to a fifty paise coin, creating a serene yet majestic atmosphere throughout the night.[55] (2) Symbolizes the passage of time and the changes it brings to existence.[56] (3) The Earth's natural satellite that reflects sunlight at night.[57] (4) A celestial body that symbolizes beauty and inspiration, watching over the interactions between Maitreyi and Ananda.[58]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Symbolizes distant love that connects despite physical separation, akin to Krishna's love for his devotees, like Chokhamela.[59]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A representation of the younger brother who becomes the Moon, associated with ease and authority granted by the Mother.[60]