Journey to the Inner Cave of the Self: Recurring Experiences of Full Moon Meditations
Published: 27 January 2025 | Written by Dowlat Budhram
Meditation has been a spiritual practice of the Himalayan sages for millennia. The practice has been handed down from time immemorial in a tradition through the guru-shishya (guru-disciple) lineage that spans thousands of years. The Himalayan Mountains of India have been the home of the enlightened sages for millennia and they have provided the perennial flow of their realized wisdom on the process, discipline and practices to those who are eager to learn and have sought their wisdom and guidance to continue the great tradition. These great sages lived the experiences of the great spiritual teachings and passed on their knowledge of the yogic teachings to their disciples who then became masters in the lineage. The wisdom and knowledge of the Himalayan masters are not the origin of any one individual. Thousands of years have passed since the divine inspired knowledge of the Rishis (our first human scientists) have graced our earth with their perfect knowledge of life, human existence, the cosmos, etc.
There are many spiritual paths and practices that have evolved over time due to the diversity, inclinations and particular emphasis of the masters. However, the Himalayan Yoga Tradition has preserved the unique system of combining the oral instructions and experiences of the long line of saints and yoga masters over the millennia, with the wisdom of Yoga’s classical text (the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) and the Tantric philosophy and practices of the lineage. The tradition brings together these three streams of knowledge and practices in a unique and integral manner.
Significance of Full Moon
To understand the importance of full moon in Hindu spiritual and religious practices, it is important to understand the Hindu calendar, the planetary movements that occur during various times of the year and the influence of the moon on human behavior. The Hindu calendar follows the lunar month, and Amavasya, the new moon night, falls at the beginning of the new lunar month, which lasts for about 30 days.
The calculation of the years and months are based on the movements of the moon around the earth, and various festivals and religious holidays are celebrated based on these movements. The Hindu monthly cycle comprises two fortnights totaling 30 days, that is divided into two periods of 15 days each. One fortnight is called Shukla Paksha and the second is Krishna Paksha. The 15 days when the moon waxes (ascendancy of the moon) is called Shukla Paksha. The full moon appears as a perfect bright round disc on the 15th day (called Purnima). This is then followed by 15 days of the waning of the moon called Krishna Paksha. The new moon appears on the 15th day of Krishna Paksha and is called Amavasya. This night is actually the darkest night of the month and the moon will not be seen.
Hindus believe that human beings have always had a close link to nature, and that changes in nature influence human behavior. The fortnightly cycle of the moon exerts a great influence on the human anatomy, just as it affects the water bodies on earth in the form of cycles of tides. During a full moon, a person may display unusual behavior, such as a tendency to become restless, irritable and ill-tempered, showing signs of behavior that hints of ‘lunacy’ – a term derived from the Latin word for moon, “luna.” This perception of human behavior during the full moon is shared in many cultures around the world.
In Hindu practice, there are specific rituals for the new moon and full moon days. Purnima, the full moon day, is considered auspicious in the Hindu Calendar and many devotees practice fasting throughout the day, with some persons praying to the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu.
It is ideal to fast or take light food on full moon and new moon days, as it is said to reduce the acidic content in our system, slows down the metabolic rate and increases endurance. This restores the body and mind balance. Praying also helps in subduing the emotions and controls the outburst of temper.
For persons of the Hindu tradition, as well as in some other cultures, the day of the full moon is considered a sacred and sanctified one, in which prayers, meditation, the practice of silence and even fasting is done. In many countries (such as Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname and Guyana) where Hindus have settled over many years and they continue with the Hindu tradition, Hindu groups observe the day of the full moon by offering prayers and singing kirtans and songs in their mandirs (temples) in the evening. For these groups, the night of the full moon provides a fulfilling and everlasting impression of the richness of the tradition.
One of the remarkable practices of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, as taught by Swami Rama and Swami Veda is the practice of meditating on full moon’s day. Disciples and followers of the Tradition, wherever they are around the world, sit at specific times on full moon day to meditate for at least one hour. Regular practice of meditation on this day takes an individual out from any situation of their life and kindles the divine qualities within the person. The meditation stabilizes the personal mind and the personal life of the individual. The constant meditation practice is an inward journey to the innermost cave of the self, providing a solid base for kindling the divine flame and spiritual upliftment over time. When individuals who are stabilized sit at the same time in different parts of the world, with the same intention and purpose on full moon day, they become part of a larger mindfield whose vibrations multiply manyfold, spreading the subtle message of peace, harmony and joy.