Full Harvest Moon 2025 (Buddhist day)

San Diego residents express excitement for first supermoon of the year

Full moon over Los Angeles, California, downtown skyline (Jesus Curiel/Unsplash)

 

(CBS 8 San Diego) Oct. 6, 2025: October's full moon, also called the "Harvest Moon," is happening Monday night with full illumination at 8:47 pm PT. It is the first supermoon for three for 2025. More

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Full moon calendar for 2025 with lunar phases

The year’s first supermoon rises over L.A. tonight — looking 30% larger and 14% brighter than usual. This evening, make sure to gaze skyward [in the direction of New York as seen from Los Angeles] to catch the first supermoon of 2025 at its peak brightness over LA.

The first supermoon of 2025, the biggest and brightest of the year, will peak over California at 8:47 pm. tonight, Monday, Oct. 6th, 2025. Make sure to find a great spot to sky watch and catch the stunning Harvest Moon lighting up Los Angeles' skies.

About the 2025 Super Harvest Moon

Rhythms and cycles of time

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, October’s full Harvest Moon will be the first of three supermoons in 2025. Rising low on the horizon, it will create a strikingly dramatic view against the Los Angeles skyline.

The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, which occurred this year on Sept. 22nd. Traditionally, this moon rises around the same time for several nights, giving farmers extra light to finish their harvests.

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This year’s Harvest Moon is also a supermoon because it coincides with the moon’s perigee, or its closest approach to Earth. NASA notes it will appear about 30% larger and 14% brighter than an average full moon.

The next two supermoons of 2025 are the Beaver Moon on Nov. 5th and the Cold Moon on Dec. 4th.

Where to watch the supermoon in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is expected to have clear skies tonight, making it an ideal spot to see the supermoon. It reaches peak brightness at 8:47 pm PST on October 6th, though it will appear full for several days. The Year's First Supermoon Rises Over L.A.

• One of the largest Buddhist temples (like Chaung Yen Monastery in upstate NY) in the Western hemisphere is also a good place to see the moon: Hsi Lai Temple
• Going West (Hsi Lai) Temple programs open to all
• Going West Temple Events (Lighting Offering Service days)

The significance of the moon in Buddhism

First human depictions of historical Buddha was in Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara/Afghan

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This is the time of mooncakes and the traditional Sabbath Day or uposatha. That means it's the best time to observe the "fasting day," which means not eating before daylight or after noon. This is part of observing the Eight Precepts, an ancient tradition the Buddha praised as something worth continuing.

How do Buddhists observe the uposatha service?

(Buddhism Reflections) Uposatha days hold a special significance on the Buddhist calendar, particularly in the Theravada tradition. These weekly observance days are aligned with the phases of the moon, including the full moon, new moon, and two quarter moons.

Uposatha (shrine hall), Buddhapadipa Temple

During these times, both lay Buddhists and monastics engage in various practices that enhance their spiritual journeys. On the one hand, lay practitioners often take on additional precepts, dedicating themselves to deeper spiritual activities and community involvement.

Monastics, on the other hand, focus on reflection and purification, reciting the Patimokkha ("Path to Moksha"), a summary of the major rules of the Monastic Code of Discipline, which is a vital aspect of their monastic life.

The uposatha service is not just about individual practice; it also fosters a sense of community as laypeople gather at monasteries to support monks and nuns through food preparation and participation in rituals (pujas).

This day is steeped in tradition and serves as a reminder of the commitment to the Dhamma or Teachings of the historical Buddha.

Full-moon Uposatha – Nalanda Buddhist Society

The observance of uposatha varies slightly among different sects and countries, adding a unique flavor to this rich tradition.

Let's delve into the practices and significance of uposatha days in Buddhism and discover how they contribute to spiritual growth and community bonding. #BuddhaTeachings #Buddhism #Mindfulness

• Senior Staff Writer, Jamie Ferrell, secretlosangeles.com, Oct. 6, 2025; Buddhism Reflections, Feb. 2025; Amber Larson and Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly