Journey to the Inner Cave of the Self: Recurring Experiences of Full Moon Meditations


 

Journey to the Inner Cave of the Self:

Recurring Experiences of Full Moon Meditations

 

by Dowlat Budhram

 

 Meditation has been a spiritual practice among Himalayan sages for millennia, passed down through the guru-shishya (guru-disciple) lineage. The Himalayan Mountains of India have long been home to these enlightened sages, who have shared their profound wisdom on various processes, disciplines, and practices with those eager to learn. These sages embodied the great spiritual teachings and imparted their knowledge of yogic principles to their disciples, who eventually became masters in the lineage. The wisdom of the Himalayan masters is not attributed to any single individual; rather, it is the culmination of thousands of years of divine inspiration from the Rishis—our first human scientists—who have enriched our understanding of life, human existence, and the cosmos.

 Many spiritual paths and practices have evolved over time due to the diverse inclinations and specific emphases of various masters. However, the Himalayan Yoga Tradition has preserved a unique system that combines the oral teachings and experiences of a long line of saints and yoga masters with the wisdom of classical yoga texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, as well as the Tantric philosophy and practices of the lineage. This tradition integrates these three streams of knowledge and practice in a distinctive and cohesive manner.

 

Significance of Full Moon

 To grasp the importance of the full moon in Hindu spiritual and religious practices, one must first understand the Hindu calendar, the planetary movements throughout the year, and the moon's influence on human behavior. The Hindu calendar is based on the lunar month, with Amavasya, the new moon night, marking the beginning of each lunar month, which lasts approximately 30 days.

 The calculation of years and months in the Hindu calendar is based on the moon's movements around the Earth, influencing various festivals and religious holidays. The lunar month consists of two fortnights, each lasting 15 days: Shukla Paksha, when the moon waxes, and Krishna Paksha, when it wanes. The full moon, or Purnima, occurs on the 15th day of Shukla Paksha, while the new moon, or Amavasya, appears on the 15th day of Krishna Paksha, marking the darkest night of the month.

 Hindus believe that humans are closely linked to nature, with lunar cycles significantly affecting human behavior, similar to their influence on Earth's tides. During a full moon, individuals may exhibit unusual behaviors, such as restlessness and irritability, a phenomenon noted in various cultures worldwide.

 On full moon and new moon days, specific rituals are observed in Hindu practice. Purnima, the full moon day, is considered auspicious in the Hindu calendar, and many devotees fast and pray to Lord Vishnu. Fasting or consuming light meals on these days is believed to reduce acidity, slow metabolism, and enhance endurance, restoring balance to body and mind. Prayer also helps subdue emotions and control temper.

 For Hindus and some other cultures, the full moon is a sacred day for prayer, meditation, silence, and fasting. In countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, and Guyana, where Hindu communities thrive, groups observe the full moon by offering prayers and singing kirtans in their temples. For these communities, the full moon night embodies the richness of their tradition.

 One of the remarkable practices of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, as taught by Swami Rama and Swami Veda, is meditating on the full moon. Disciples and followers of the Tradition, no matter where they are in the world, gather at specific times on full moon day to meditate for at least one hour. This regular practice allows individuals to transcend their daily situations and awaken the divine qualities within themselves. Meditation stabilizes both the mind and personal life. As practitioners engage in this inward journey to the deepest part of the self, they establish a solid foundation for igniting the divine flame and achieving spiritual upliftment over time. When individuals meditate simultaneously across different parts of the world with a shared intention on full moon day, they connect to a larger mindfield, amplifying vibrations that spread messages of peace, harmony, and joy.

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