Today is Shivaratri, the ratri (night) of Shivam (Goodness, Godliness, Good Fortune). It is an auspicious night because the mind can be made to lose its hold on man by devoting the night to prayer. The Moon is the presiding deity of the mind, according to the scriptures. The mind is kindred to the Moon as the eyes are to the Sun. Shivaratri is prescribed for the fourteenth night of the dark half of the month, the night previous to the new moon when the Moon suffers from total blackout. The Moon and the mind which it rules over are drastically reduced every month on the fourteenth night. When that night is devoted to vigilant adoration of God, the remnant of the wayward mind is overcome and victory is ensured. This month’s Shivaratri is holier than the rest and so, it is called Mahashivaratri. With firm faith and a cleansed heart, the night should be spent in glorifying God. No moment should be wasted in other thoughts. – Divine Discourse, Feb 26, 1987.