In the Buddhist faith the wheel of dharma is one of the most significant symbols.
The wheels represent the laws or teachings of the Buddha.
As well, they are a metaphor for the perpetual and ongoing need for spiritual change.
When we mediate on this idea, we are brought to the realization that our lives are in a state of ongoing flux and that we are in danger of repeating the same mistakes over and over again.
This is best explained by the Buddhist teaching of the endless cycle of samsara or rebirth. This situation can only be escaped by following the teachings of the Buddha.
The turning of the wheel of dharma
The wheels of dharma.
When Buddha gave his first discourse at Deer Park in Sarnath it is referred to as the “first turning of the wheel of dharma”.
After that, all subsequent discourses where referred to as the “turnings of the wheel of dharma”.
The eight-spoked wheel represents the Noble Eightfold Path set out by the teachings of Buddha.
The wheel also represents the three phases of Buddha’s teachings.
The hub or centre symbolizes moral discipline which stabilizes the mind.
The spokes, of which there are eight, represents the wisdom needed to enlighten the mind and defeat ignorance.
The rim represents the need to train the mind and concentrate on holding the rest of these things in place.
The ever-moving, changing sense of existence
The wheel was the first symbol used to signify the teachings of the great Buddha thousands of years ago before humankind developed the skill to create statues.
The wheels in motion represent the constant state where we are all in representing the need for change, which creativity and experience bring.
It is the central form of mandalas and a weapon used to banish ignorance and evil.
The Wheels of Dharma is a stunning piece created to embrace the ideals and greater power of the Buddha’s teachings.
