The Sūtra of the Moon (1) is a short discourse providing a Buddhist account of a lunar eclipse. On one occasion while the Buddha is residing in Śrāvastī, the moon is seized by Rāhu, lord of the asuras, which causes an eclipse. The god of the moon asks the Buddha for refuge, after which the Buddha urges Rāhu to release the moon. When questioned by Vemacitra, another lord of the asuras, Rāhu explains that if he had not let the moon go, his head would have split into seven pieces. This sūtra enjoys some popularity today and appears in Tibetan collections of mantras and texts for protection.
The Translation
Respectful homage to the noble Three Jewels!
Thus did I hear at one time. The Blessed One was dwelling in Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍada’s park in Śrāvastī.20 At that time the god Candramas was seized by Rāhu, lord of the asuras. Then the god Candramas, [F.283.a] recollecting and taking the Blessed One to heart,21 recited this verse:
“I bow to the heroic Buddha.22
May you swiftly liberate all beings!23
As I have come into confinement
I take refuge in you.”24
Then the Blessed One, for the sake of the god Candramas, addressed Rāhu, lord of the asuras, with this verse:
“Since buddhas have compassion for the world,
Candramas took refuge
In the Worthy One, the Tathāgata;
Therefore, Rāhu, set the moon free!”25
Thereupon Rāhu, lord of the asuras, set the god Candramas free and hurriedly26 approached Vemacitra,27 lord of the asuras. He then sat to one side, displeased,28 agitated, and with all his body hairs bristling. Vemacitra, lord of the asuras, now questioned Rāhu, lord of the asuras, in verse:
“Why, Rāhu, did you release
The moon in such a fright?
You are a very miserable sight.
Why did you approach in fear?”29
“Had I, hearing the Buddha’s verse,
Not then released the moon
My head would have split into seven pieces31
And my life would be without happiness.”
This concludes “The Sūtra of the Moon.”32