Significance of Sun and moon
Synonyms: Celestial bodies, Heavenly bodies, Sol and luna, Heavenly objects, Luminaries
In Dutch: Zon en maan; In Finnish: Aurinko ja kuu; In Spanish: Sol y luna; In German: Sonne und Mond; In Swedish: Sol och måne; In Malay: Matahari dan bulan; In French: Soleil et 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 'Sun and moon'
In Buddhism, the Sun and Moon symbolize light, clarity, duality, and harmony, representing enlightenment and the natural cycles of existence while embodying the journey towards awareness and understanding amid life's challenges.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Symbolic elements referred to by the Bodhisatta representing dual aspects of enlightenment that are to be meditated upon.[1] (2) Celestial bodies that symbolize the natural order and the vast scope of Mandhata's influence.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Celestial bodies that shine at different times; the sun by day and the moon by night.[3]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Celestial bodies that symbolize clarity and brightness in the world where Buddha's teachings are practiced.[4]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Celestial bodies that appeared to provide light and courage to early humans during their existence in darkness.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Symbols of enlightenment and clarity that can be obscured by various obstacles, much like how the five obstacles cloud one's understanding.[6] (2) Celestial bodies that symbolize natural radiance and glory without seeking acknowledgment.[7]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Celestial bodies referred to in the text that are central to the discussion regarding cognitions.[8]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Images represented between ma gcig's eyebrows, symbolizing duality and harmony in Buddhist cosmology.[9]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Signifies the natural cycle of day and night and serves as a metaphor for life’s inevitable decline.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Sun and moon'
In Hinduism, the Sun and Moon represent celestial bodies symbolizing illumination, duality, and cycles of time, embodying beauty and harmony while serving vital roles in rituals and cosmological significance, reflecting divine balance within the universe.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Symbolizes esteemed figures, Keshava and Arjuna, known for their beauty and strength, contrasting them with lowly beings.[11] (2) Metaphorical representation highlighting how Arjuna and Indra together enhanced the beauty of the assembly.[12] (3) Celestial bodies considered as part of the universe's fabric that are ultimately subject to destruction.[13] (4) Symbolizes beauty and harmony, referring to the couple of heroes in a complementary way.[14] (5) Figurative language comparing the resplendence of the warrior to celestial bodies, highlighting their majestic presence on the battlefield.[15]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Celestial bodies placed before the Brahmanas during worship by the Rishis and Gandharvas.[16] (2) Celestial bodies that symbolize the cyclic nature of time and existence.[17] (3) A metaphor used to describe Krishna and Sangkarshana's relationship and coexistence, emphasizing harmony and radiance.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Celestial bodies that symbolize visibility and perception, from which the narrator remained unseen.[19] (2) Symbolic representations of duality and harmony in nature as they ascend together.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Celestial bodies used to symbolize Rama's illuminating presence and guidance.[21] (2) Celestial symbols representing the contrasting elements of day and night, showcased in Hanuman's description.[22]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The phrase 'sun and moon' is a reference to the celestial bodies that are called upon to witness the oath.[23] (2) This refers to celestial bodies that provide light and are invoked for support.[24]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Celestial bodies that are present within the heart's space, representing light and duality.[25] (2) The sun and the moon are celestial bodies that exist within the realm of space (akasha) as per the provided text.[26]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Celestial bodies that represent fundamental forces of nature, vital in the cycle of creation.[27] (2) Symbolic representations of duality and balance in nature, indicating the fundamental pairs of existence that lead to the creation of life.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Natural sources of light that are described as incapable of illuminating the highest truth.[29] (2) Celestial bodies referenced in the command from the sacred text, representing the natural order established by the highest Lord.[30]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Celestial bodies that stand apart by the command of Brahman, illustrating the influence of Brahman over nature.[31]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Celestial entities that are included in the lineage of Devas who learned from Kama.[32]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Celestial bodies representing life and material aspects respectively, symbolizing duality in existence.[33]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Represents celestial bodies Aryama and Candramas, which are also manifestations of Narayana.[34]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Celestial bodies that do not fully reveal the presence of the divine light; they are reflections of the greater illumination.[35]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Celestial bodies described as generating heat and spreading radiance, respectively; symbols of duality in nature—a fusion of energy and calm.[36] (2) Celestial bodies mentioned as part of the creation, symbolizing light, duality, and the universe's balance.[37] (3) Elements of creation that symbolize illumination and cycles of time; part of the forms taken by the Lord.[38] (4) Celestial bodies that represent the duality of time and are included in the elements controlled by the Lord.[39] (5) Represents Kannan in relation to celestial bodies, reflecting light and life-giving properties.[40]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Celestial bodies referenced in the text that symbolize the passage of time.[41] (2) Celestial bodies symbolizing eternity, underlining the perpetual duration of punishment.[42]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Metaphorical references within scripture indicating the spiritual illumination brought into the world by Shri Caitanya and Shri Nityananda.[43]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Celestial bodies used to adorn Krishna, symbolizing His control over day and night, as well as His divine nature.[44]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Celestial bodies that, when covered by wet clouds with thunderstorms during Dharana days, are indicative of potential good rain.[45]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) These celestial bodies are mentioned in a sequence of planets that can bring favorable outcomes when running their subperiods within a larger planetary influence.[46]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Celestial bodies that are referenced in the context of sacrifices, symbolizing the duality of light and life within the rituals.[47] (2) Celestial bodies created through the touch and intention of Prajapati, symbolizing glory and seed, respectively.[48]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Another dualistic representation attributed to the Ashvins, showing their cosmological significance.[49]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Celestial bodies that carry out their tasks of shining and providing light, which they do out of fear of punishment.[50]
Jain concept of 'Sun and moon'
In Jainism, the Sun and moon symbolize the unity and interdependence of Rama and Lakshmana, embody balance and dual beauty, and represent the significant celestial influences of the two deities governing the Jyotishkas.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Metaphorically represents Rama and Lakshmana’s unity and the fear of losing one another in battle.[51] (2) A metaphor symbolizing dual sources of beauty, representing balance and the culmination of light and splendor.[52]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Acknowledges the two gods that dominate over the Jyotishkas, signifying their dual importance in celestial observations.[53]
The concept of Sun and moon in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sun and moon" symbolizes duality and balance, representing opposing forces in nature and love, embodying beauty and life's cyclical nature, while also being celestial bodies involved in calculated positions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolizes the balance of opposing forces in nature and love, representing the fierce and gentle aspects of relationships.[54] (2) Symbols of duality and balance in life.[55] (3) Symbols of natural beauty and the cyclical nature of life, representing the continuity and balance of existence.[56]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The sun and moon are the celestial bodies whose positions are calculated, and the text describes the relevant procedures.[57]