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The eight-spoked dharma wheel is a common symbol in Tantric Buddhist iconography representing the
collective teachings of Buddha, known as the dharma. It is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. The symbol is also known as chakra from the
Sanskrit word for "wheel" (not to be confused with the Hindu use of the same word
to refer to energy nodes in the body — cf. chakra).
Symbolism of the wheel
The symbolism of the dharma wheel is often given as:
- its overall shape is that of a circle, representing the perfection of the dharma teaching
- the hub stands for discipline, which is the essential core of meditation practice
- the eight spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path of
Buddhism. They are said to have sharp edges to cut through ignorance.
- the rim, which holds the spokes, refers to mindfullness or samadhi which
holds everything together.
Dharma wheel representing the transmission to different countries
The dharma wheel can also refer to the dissemination of the dharma teaching from country to country. In this sense the dharma
wheel began rolling in India, then arrived in China, and then to Korea, etc.
Dharma wheel representing the progressive development of Vajrayana Buddhism
Tantric Buddhists also use the term "turning of the dharma wheel" to refer to the progressive development of Buddhism which
culminates in their school. According to this image:
- The first turning of the dharma wheel refers to Gautama Buddha's original teaching, in particular the Four Noble Truths which describes the mechanics of attachment, desire, suffering, and liberation via the
Eightfold Path.
- The second turning of the dharma wheel refers to the teaching of the Perfection of Wisdom sutra, a foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism.
- The third turning of the dharma wheel refers to the teaching of the Mahavairocana Sutra, a
foundational text of Tantric Buddhism.
Three Wheels of Dharma
The Doctrine of Three Wheels is Buddha's teaching that the dharma wheel must turn three times for a student to understand the
dharma: once for hearing, again for understanding, and finally for
internalizing.
See also
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