Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.22.8
Sthāna· The universe in orderPrabhupāda Affirms Trust in Vedic Calculations
“Above the rays of the sunshine by a distance of 100,000 yojanas [800,000 miles] is the moon, which travels at a speed faster than that of the sun. In two lunar fortnights the moon travels through the equivalent of a saṁvatsara of the sun, in two and a quarter days it passes through a month of the sun, and in one day it passes through a fortnight of the sun.”
What the purport teaches
- The verse places the moon 100,000 yojanas, or 800,000 miles, above the rays of sunshine and describes it as moving faster than the sun.
- In two lunar fortnights, the moon covers the equivalent of a year’s solar travel; in two and a quarter days, a month’s; and in one day, a fortnight’s.
- Śrīla Prabhupāda questions modern lunar excursions and contrasts changing scientific calculations with the steadiness of Vedic calculations. He states his acceptance of the Vedic calculations as correct.
Try this today
Reread the purport and write one sentence summarizing its stated basis for confidence in Vedic calculations.
Ask yourself
What reason does Śrīla Prabhupāda give here for trusting Vedic calculations?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.