2011-11-01

The Eternal Full Moon


"Oh good man! On the other side of this full moon, we have the half-moon; if on this side we have the half-moon, on the other side, the full moon is seen. The people of Jambudvipa, when they see the new moon, say that it's the first day, and have in mind the idea of ​​a new month. Seeing the full moon, they say that it is the fifteenth day of the month and entertain the notion of the full moon. But this moon, truth to tell, has no waxing or waning. Only due to Mount Sumeru does it show a semblance of waxing and waning. Oh good man! The same is the case with the Tathagata. In Jambudvipa, he manifests himself being born and entering Nirvana. His first appearance (birth) is the first day of the month. Everyone says that this child is newborn. He walks seven steps. This is like the moon on the second day. Or he shows himself studying. This is like the moon on the third day. He displays renunciation. This is like the moon of the eighth day. He emits the all-wonderful light of Wisdom and subdues a countless number of beings and the armies of Mara. This can be likened to the full moon of the fifteenth day. Or he manifests the 32 marks of perfection and the 80 minor characteristics of excellence. Thus, he adorns himself and manifests himself entering Nirvana. It is (Nirvana) like the eclipse of the moon. Thus, what each being sees is not the same. Some see a half-moon, others the full moon, and still others an eclipse. But this moon, by its nature, knows no waxing or eclipsing. It is always the full moon. The body of the Tathagata is like this. For this reason, we say eternal and unchanging."

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 15 - On the Parable of the Moon

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