Significance of New moon
The New moon holds significant meanings across various traditions. In Buddhism, it symbolizes subtle wisdom and potential, while in Hinduism, it is associated with rituals, particularly for the dead. Jainism represents it as a time of darkness and ignorance. In Vaishnavism and Puranas, the New moon marks new beginnings and auspicious rituals. It is similarly recognized in Dharmashastra for its timing concerning sacrifices and spiritual practices. Essentially, the New moon is a pivotal phase for ceremonies, rituals, and personal reflections in multiple faiths.
Synonyms: Dark moon, No moon, New phase, Lunar phase, Young moon
In Dutch: Nieuwe maan; In Finnish: Uusi kuu; In Spanish: Luna nueva; In German: Neumond; In Swedish: 狈测尘氓苍别; In Malay: Bulan baru; In French: Nouvelle lune
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'New moon'
In Buddhism, the New Moon signifies the start of the lunar month, marking Maha Moggallana's parinibbana, represents key uposatha observances, reflects the initial enlightenment emergence, and symbolizes hidden wisdom and potential within the mind.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) One of the significant nights on which the uposatha observance takes place.[1]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The beginning of the lunar month, during which the Venerable Maha Moggallana entered parinibbana.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A metaphor for subtle wisdom and potential; symbolizing the inner luminosity of omniscience that exists but is not readily visible.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Represented by the prathamacittotpada, indicating the initial emergence of the mind towards enlightenment.[4]
Hindu concept of 'New moon'
In Hinduism, the New Moon, or 'amavasya,' denotes significant spiritual rituals, including Soma offerings and Sraddha ceremonies. It symbolizes new beginnings and purity, marking the initiation of the lunar month and specific sacrificial practices.
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Phases of the lunar cycle that signify specific auspicious times for performing rituals, including trimming hair and nails.[5] (2) A significant time during which an individual is encouraged to practice purity and rites for spiritual protection.[6] (3) A specific lunar phase during which it is advised to abstain from studying the Veda for a period of two days and two nights.[7]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The lunar phase during which no moon is visible; significant for timing certain sacrificial events.[8] (2) The phase of the moon when it is not visible, indicating a day on which specific Shraddha, like Pindapitriyajna, is offered.[9] (3) The day on which the moon is not seen, considered a significant time for fasting and rituals.[10]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A lunar phase that requires the study of the Veda to cease for a day and a night, emphasizing the importance of timing in rituals.[11] (2) Another significant lunar phase during which fasting is also observed as part of the Candrayana penance.[12] (3) The phase of the moon that occurs when it is not visible from Earth, during which specific funeral oblations may be offered to the Manes.[13]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The period requiring particular rituals and oblations; it is correlated with the full moon for the timing of sacrifices.[14] (2) The new moon that follows the Phalguna full moon, marking a significant lunar phase.[15] (3) The new moon is a specific time mentioned when the fire should be kindled, showing its connection to lunar phases in ritual practices.[16]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The lunar phase that marks the beginning of a new month in the Hindu calendar, often associated with specific spiritual rituals.[17] (2) Another lunar phase mentioned as an occasion that necessitates a break from the study of the Veda.[18]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A phase of the moon associated with specific sacrifices to deities like Indra and Mahendra.[19] (2) The lunar phase that is considered for conducting sacrifices, but not to be performed before the full-moon sacrifice.[20]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The lunar phase that occurs when the moon is not visible from Earth, marking the beginning of the lunar month.[21]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) The lunar phase marked by the absence of the moon's visibility, referred to as 'amavasya,' and linked to particular sacrificial observances.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An important lunar phase where significant rituals involving Soma take place, particularly in the story of his curse.[23] (2) A specific time when listening to the Bhumi Parva is noted to have beneficial effects.[24] (3) The specific time at which the Sraddha was performed, significant in Hindu rituals.[25] (4) A time of the lunar cycle significant for certain rituals and actions that can lead to sin if mismanaged.[26] (5) The phase of the moon that is significant for certain rituals and bathing practices, offering spiritual benefits.[27]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A lunar phase considered auspicious for performing Shraddha ceremonies.[28] (2) A lunar event that affects the timing of religious ceremonies and the observance of Vratas.[29]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Performing the shraddha diligently on the night of the new moon results in obtaining all wishes and attaining Svarga.[30] (2) A metaphor used to describe the growth and increasing qualities of Svarocis as he matured.[31]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A lunar phase significant for the performance of ancestral rites and offerings.[32]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The phase of the moon during which offerings to the fathers are particularly emphasized.[33] (2) The day marked by the absence of visible moonlight, which signals a time for specific rituals and sacrifices according to the practices described.[34] (3) The period associated with the dark phase of the moon, considered a significant time for rituals and sacrifices as indicated by its role as a gate in the sacrificial process.[35] (4) A lunar phase that some authorities allow for the performance of the Agnyadhana ceremony, alongside the first day of the waxing moon.[36] (5) The new moon, referred to as 'darsha,' is depicted as analogous to the moon itself and the day. It symbolizes the out-breathing and speech, with its significance linked to offerings and the spiritual realm.[37]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The phase of the moon when it is not visible from Earth, often symbolizing new beginnings or purity.[38]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A phase of the moon often associated with beauty; Radha's face is described as surpassing its fame.[39]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The first day of the lunar fortnight, during which specific spiritual practices are recommended for empowerment and realization.[40]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A celestial phase where the moon is not visible from Earth, symbolizing new beginnings or a fresh start, as illustrated by the girl who 'seemed like the streak of the new moon'.[41]
Jain concept of 'New moon'
In Jainism, the New moon symbolizes freshness and innocence, likens the approach of Kurucandra to the moon, represents a dim lunar phase during the rainy season, and signifies a period of darkness and ignorance in Sambhinnamati's mind.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A phase of the moon that appeared dimly during the rainy season.[42] (2) A metaphor used to describe the appearance of the boy found in the brass chest, highlighting his freshness and innocence.[43] (3) A metaphor used to describe the approach of the lord of the city Kurucandra as similar to the moon approaching the sun.[44] (4) Symbolizes a time of darkness and ignorance, representing the state of Sambhinnamati's mind.[45]
The concept of New moon in local and regional sources
New moon signifies the start of the lunar month in astrology, marking rituals for Lord Jhulelal, and symbolizes new beginnings. It is an auspicious phase for various cultural and spiritual practices, including those in Buddhism.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The text mentions calculating the rising of the new Moon and also calculating the rising and setting of planets.[46] (2) This day is considered auspicious in Buddhism and is one of the auspicious days for taking precious pills.[47]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The phase of the moon that occurs when it is not visible from Earth, often associated with new beginnings.[48]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) The beginning of the lunar month in astrology, marking the start of associated calculations.[49]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The first lunar phase with the moon appearing dark, marking the beginning of the moon's cycle.[50]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The Mohammedans think much of this, and the speaker wanted to begin a new life with it, blessing his daughter with a great blessing.[51]