Significance of Half month
Half month is a significant time division in both Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism. In Hinduism, it relates to lunar phases and is important for sacrificial rites, typically marked by fasting and sacrifice during full moon periods. In Theravada Buddhism, it indicates the schedule for Observance days every fifteen days, a time for recitation, and gatherings among Bhikkhus. This period, essential for religious practices, corresponds to half of a lunar month and aligns with days leading up to the full or new moon.
Synonyms: Fifteen days, Two weeks, Fortnight
In Dutch: Halve maand; In Finnish: Puoli kuukautta; In Spanish: Medio mes
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Half month'
In Buddhism, Half month signifies a bi-monthly observance period aligned with the lunar calendar, critical for religious practices, recitations, and community gatherings of Bhikkhus, marking time up to the full or new moon.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The period which is divided into two segments, during which the Bhikkhus were instructed to gather.[1] (2) A period of time that refers to half of a lunar month, significant in Buddhist practices.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) A time period that refers to the frequency of the Observance day, which occurs every half month.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) The period during which recitation occurs, specifically every fifteen days.[4]
From: Vinaya (1): The Patimokkha
(1) A time period in the lunar calendar marking the days leading up to the full or new moon, relevant to the timing of religious observances.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Half month'
In Hinduism, "Half month" signifies lunar phases essential for sacrificial rites, dividing time into significant periods often marked by fasting and sacrifice, and representing the five parts of life-sap.
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Periods divided by the full moon, typically marked by fasting and sacrifice.[6]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A reference to the lunar phases that are solicited to be in agreement.[7]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The half-months are divisions of time that are significant within the context of the sacrificial rites and are represented by the five parts into which the life-sap is divided.[8]
The concept of Half month in local and regional sources
Half month, or ardhamasa, is a time unit that represents a specific period within traditional Indian timekeeping. It is situated alongside other time units like kshana, lava, and masa, contributing to the understanding of lunar and seasonal cycles.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a time unit, also referred to as ardhamasa, included in the list of time units such as kshana, lava, muhurta, divaratri (day-and-night), masa (month), ritu (season).[9]