Vesak Lunar Eclipse - Defeating the Forces of Darkness

This year, we will experience a full lunar eclipse at the Vesak Full Moon night Wed 26 May. At Dhammagiri, we will chant the 'Canda-Paritta' ('Moon-Protection'), as the eclipse is fully visible in Brisbane with maximum at 09.16pm.The moon deity Candimā is swallowed by the demon Rāhu, and then takes refuge in the Buddha in his distress. The Buddha chants one gāthā pointing out that the moon deity has taken refuge, and Rāhu finds it impossible not to quickly let go of Chandimā.Of course, astronomically an eclipse has nothing to do with the moon being 'swallowed'. But that's not the point, what counts is the symbolic meaning:Ajahn Dhammasiha explains that we can see Rahu as representing the forces of darkness, and the moon as a symbol of light and goodness. If we truly take refuge in the Buddha, the forces of darkness will not be able to 'swallow' us into gloomy states of anxiety and depression, they will not be able to hold our mind in darkness, our light will shine forth again.You can read more about the struggle between the Moon and Rahu in our latest newsletter here:https://tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/letters/dhammagiri-news-92-vesak-lunar-eclipse-defeating-the-forces-of-darknesswww.dhammagiri.org