![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The snake represents aversion or anger this is because it will be aroused and strike at the slightest touch. The pig stands for ignorance this comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. They represent the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. In the hub of the wheel are three animals: a pig, a snake, and a bird. The Buddha is pointing to the moon, indicating that liberation from samsara is possible. The moon above the wheel indicates liberation. The fierce being holding the wheel represents impermanence this symbolizes that the entire process of cyclic existence is impermanent, transient, constantly changing. The fourth and outer layer of the wheel symbolizes the twelve links of dependent origination these links indicate how the sources of suffering-the three poisons and karma-produce lives within cyclic existence. Karma in turn gives rise to the six realms, which represent the different types of suffering within cyclic existence ( samsara). Symbolically, the three inner circles, moving from the center outward, show that the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion give rise to positive and negative actions these actions and their results are called karma. The Buddha pointing to the moon indicates that liberation is possible.The moon above the wheel represents liberation from cyclic existence.The fierce figure holding the wheel represents impermanence.The fourth layer represents the twelve links of dependent origination.The third layer represents the six realms of cyclic existence.The images in the hub of the wheel represent the three poisons of ignorance, attachment and aversion.The meanings of the main parts of the diagram are: ![]() Explanation of the diagramĪ traditional Tibetan thangka form Eastern Tibet showing the bhavacakra. The unsettling description of the steps of entrapment is a call to action, for it shows how the prison of selfishness can be turned into a source of help and happiness for both oneself and others. It shows the altruistic purpose that can make life meaningful. By illuminating the causes behind our situation of limitation and pain, the wheel of cyclic existence reveals how, through practicing antidotes to these causes, we can overcome the painful and limiting situations that are their effects. It vividly describes how we become trapped in a counterproductive maelstrom of suffering and how this process can be reversed, showing how Buddhists place themselves in an everchanging universe of cause and effect. In Tibet, this painting is at the doorway of practically every temple. Ĭontemporary scholar Jeffrey Hopkins states: So these images on the Wheel of Life are just to communicate to the general audience. One of the reasons why the Wheel of Life was painted outside the monasteries and on the walls (and was really encouraged even by the Buddha himself) was to teach this very profound Buddhist philosophy of life and perception to more simple-minded farmers or cowherds. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche states: The wheel of life is painted on the outside walls of nearly every Tibetan Buddhist temple in Tibet and India. An account of this story appears in the anthology of Buddhist narratives called the Divyāvadāna. Legend has it that the Buddha himself designed the first illustration of the wheel of life, and offered it as a gift to King Rudrāyaṇa. 5 English translations of the term bhavacakra.2.8 The Buddha pointing to the moon: the path to liberation.2.6 The figure holding the wheel: impermanence.2.4.3 A brief description of the six realms.2.4 Third layer: the six realms of samsara. ![]()
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