The Dharma Wheel stands as a profound symbol that embodies the essence of Buddhist philosophy and teachings. It is more than just a motif; it is a visual narrative encapsulating the path towards spiritual enlightenment.
In this article, LotusBuddhas will share with you the origin of the Dharma Wheel and its meaning, enabling you to attain a deeper understanding of the spiritual symbols in Buddhism.
What is the Dharma Wheel?
The Dharma Wheel, also known as the Dharmachakra, is a significant symbol in Buddhism that embodies the teachings of Buddha. As a representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth (samsara), the Dharma Wheel’s symbol holds intricate complexities that reflect on the spiritual journey undertaken in the Buddhist faith.
The structure of the wheel is not without significance. Traditionally, the Dharma Wheel consists of three basic parts: the hub, the spokes and the rim. The hub, at the very center of the wheel, symbolizes ethical discipline. It is the grounding of the wheel, the core from which all Buddhist teachings emanate. Ethical discipline is seen as the vital practice in maintaining moral conduct, preventing one from committing harmful acts.
The Dharma Wheel’s prominence is not solely confined to its spiritual symbolism. It is also a visual representation, frequently depicted in art and architecture, a motif on ancient Indian coins, a seal of the Indian Government, and an icon on national flags, such as that of India.
History of the Dharma Wheel
The Dharma Wheel’s origin traces back to the period of early Indian civilization, before the advent of Buddhism. The wheel as a symbol was a potent representation of power, authority, and sovereignty, often associated with the Indian god Vishnu and seen as a mark of the ruling monarch, denoting the king’s responsibility to uphold dharma or righteous order.
With the emergence of Buddhism in the 5th century BCE, the wheel’s symbolism took on new dimensions. Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, where he taught the Four Noble Truths to his five former companions, is traditionally referred to as the “First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”. This event signaled the introduction of the Dharma Wheel as a representation of the Buddhist teachings. The eight spokes of the wheel came to symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path, the key guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline and wisdom in Buddhism.
As Buddhism expanded, so did the use and interpretation of the Dharma Wheel. With the spread of Buddhism into Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia, the Dharma Wheel was integrated into architectural designs, sculptures, paintings, and other forms of religious art. Its depiction varies according to different Buddhist traditions and cultures. For instance, in Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel is often depicted with two deer on either side, commemorating the Deer Park in Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon.
In the 3rd century BCE, Emperor Ashoka, a significant patron of Buddhism, incorporated the Dharma Wheel into his pillars, stupas, and edicts, further popularizing its use. His version, known as the Ashoka Chakra, a wheel with 24 spokes, is now a part of the modern Indian national flag, symbolizing the eternal wheel of law.
In modern times, the Dharma Wheel remains an important symbol in Buddhism worldwide. It is used in the iconography of different Buddhist sects, from Theravada to Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, and continues to be a focal point in Buddhist rituals, such as the Tibetan ritual of wheel turning to disseminate spiritual blessings and well-being.
Meaning and symbolism of the Dharma Wheel
Dharma Wheel is a central emblem in Buddhism symbolizing the Buddhist teachings, or the “Dharma.” Its design and elements, steeped in rich symbolism, portray various Buddhist concepts, each illuminating a different facet of the faith. Below, LotusBuddhas will enumerate the primary elements of the Dharma Wheel and the corresponding symbolic significance they each hold within the Buddhist tradition.
- The Wheel: The wheel itself signifies the cycle of samsara. This cyclic existence is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the continuous process of change.
- The Hub: The wheel’s hub, situated at its center, signifies moral discipline, considered the crux of leading a virtuous life and a critical step towards achieving enlightenment. The hub stands as the axis of ethical discipline, around which the spiritual life of a Buddhist revolves.
- The Spokes: The spokes of the wheel, traditionally numbering eight, signify the Noble Eightfold Path. Each spoke corresponds to one path: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. These paths serve as the practical guide for leading a life of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental development, ultimately leading to the cessation of suffering and attainment of enlightenment.
- The Rim: The wheel’s rim, holding the spokes and enabling the wheel’s rotation, signifies mindfulness and meditative concentration. It is a reminder of the need to keep one’s spiritual practice consistent and ongoing, keeping one’s progress on the Noble Eightfold Path steady.
- The Wheel’s Motion: The turning of the wheel symbolizes the dissemination or teaching of the Dharma. It is associated with the Buddha’s first sermon, often referred to as the “First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” which marked the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching of the path to enlightenment.
- Variations in Spoke Number: In some representations, the Dharma Wheel may have varying numbers of spokes, each having distinct symbolic interpretations. For instance, a wheel with four spokes represents the Four Noble Truths; ten spokes symbolize the ten directions; twelve spokes signify the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination; and twenty-four spokes represent the twelve causes and their cessation.
Dharma Wheel is a complex and multi-layered symbol, serving as a visual summary of fundamental Buddhist principles and teachings. Its design and the symbolism embedded within each of its parts serve to remind followers of the path towards enlightenment and the core practices necessary in the journey. As such, it is more than just a mere emblem; it is a roadmap to spiritual awakening and liberation in Buddhism.
Turning the Dharma Wheel
“Turning the Dharma Wheel” is a profound metaphor utilized within the context of Buddhist teachings. The phrase derives from Buddha’s first sermon following his enlightenment, where he set the ‘Wheel of Dharma’ in motion, indicating the beginning of his teachings. Hence, turning the Dharma Wheel is synonymous with the communication or teaching of the Buddhist doctrine, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
When turning the Wheel of Dharma, one endeavors to spread the teachings of Buddha and awaken understanding and compassion in others. Such a process includes instruction, discussion, and the application of Buddhist principles in daily life. It encapsulates the ongoing discourse of wisdom from teachers to students, from generation to generation, sustaining the legacy of Buddhism.
The metaphorical turning of the wheel is commonly associated with three distinct cycles or ‘turnings,’ each representing a phase of the Buddha’s teachings.
- The First Turning: This represents the initial teachings of Buddha in Deer Park, where he set forth the Four Noble Truths, which deal with suffering, its origin, cessation and the path to cessation. The Eightfold Path was also introduced here as a practical guide to achieving enlightenment and cessation of suffering.
- The Second Turning: It involves the introduction of the Mahayana philosophy, where the concept of emptiness and the Bodhisattva ideal, an individual who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, were articulated. This turning is known for its emphasis on compassion and universal liberation from suffering.
- The Third Turning: This stage introduces the concept of Buddha-nature, the inherent potential for Buddhahood in all beings. It encompasses a range of later Buddhist philosophies and includes teachings on consciousness and subtle distinctions between levels of reality.
Each ‘turning’ of the Dharma Wheel further unfolds the depth and breadth of Buddhist teachings, enhancing understanding, and opening new pathways to spiritual growth. However, regardless of the ‘turning,’ the core objective remains the same – to eliminate suffering, attain enlightenment, and liberally disseminate these teachings for the benefit of all beings.
The Dharma Wheel in fashion and jewelry
In the realm of fashion and jewelry, the Dharma Wheel often carries the symbolic and aesthetic appeal that transcends religious boundaries. Its intricate design and deep-rooted symbolism make it an attractive element for designers who wish to infuse their creations with an air of spirituality, mindfulness and cultural richness.
In jewelry design, the Dharma Wheel is commonly featured in rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Its representation can range from minimalist and stylized forms to elaborate and detailed renderings, depending on the creative vision of the designer and the targeted aesthetic. Consumers often choose Dharma Wheel jewelry for its aesthetic appeal, as well as its symbolic significance, using these pieces as reminders of spiritual principles such as wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline.
In the realm of clothing, the Dharma Wheel is frequently used in prints and embroidery. It can be found in various forms of attire, from casual t-shirts and dresses to more formal wear. The wheel’s visual representation can be bold and central or subtle and understated, depending on the designer’s intention. Moreover, in some cases, elements of the Dharma Wheel are abstracted or stylized to create unique patterns and designs.
Beyond its use as a decorative element, the Dharma Wheel in fashion and jewelry can also serve as a form of personal expression. Wearers may choose to don these items as a sign of their spiritual affinity, personal belief in the principles symbolized by the Dharma Wheel, or admiration for Buddhist philosophy and aesthetics.
However, because this is a Buddhist symbol, LotusBuddhas advise you to wear it with a sincere heart, a benevolent intention, and a clear understanding of the meaning behind this symbol. Consider the Dharma Wheel as a tool to remind you daily to think and act according to the teachings of Buddha, spreading the Buddhist doctrines to more people.
