Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.22.9
Sthāna· The universe in orderThe Moon Nourishes Life and Marks Time
“When the moon is waxing, the illuminating portions of it increase daily, thus creating day for the demigods and night for the pitās. When the moon is waning, however, it causes night for the demigods and day for the pitās. In this way the moon passes through each constellation of stars in thirty muhūrtas [an entire day]. The moon is the source of nectarean coolness that influences the growth of food grains, and therefore the moon-god is considered the life of all living entities. He is consequently called Jīva, the chief living being within the universe.”
What the purport teaches
- The waxing moon creates day for the demigods and night for the pitās. The waning moon creates the reverse.
- The moon passes through each constellation in thirty muhūrtas, described here as an entire day.
- Its nectarean coolness influences the growth of food grains. The moon-god is therefore considered the life of all living entities and called Jīva, the chief living being within the universe.
Try this today
At one meal today, pause to remember the moon’s nourishing influence on food grains as described here.
Ask yourself
How does this verse broaden my appreciation of the moon beyond its visible light?
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.