The number of spokes on the dharma wheel varies over time as the wheel has taken on different meanings in different cultures. See below Dharma Wheel And Number Of Spokes – Many historians also believe that the rim of the wheel represents meditation, concentration, and mindfulness, which are key pillars of both Buddhist and Hindu disciplines. The main circle which gives the ancient symbol its round wheel shape, represents the perfection of the dharma ( which is interpreted as the natural laws of nature and the universe). The three swirls are said to represent the Three Treasures or Three Jewels of Buddhism The Rim – And sometimes the hub is composed of 3 swirls. Sometimes the hub is represented by the yin-yang symbol. Generally, the hub of the dharma wheel is believed to represent moral discipline. The hub of the dharma wheel is often depicted differently over time and in different cultures, sects, religions. O’Brian has found that, over the centuries, the core components of the dharma wheel have taken on their own meanings and symbolism. The center hub, the outside wheel, and the spokes.Īuthor and Zen Buddhism expert Barbara O’Brien has spent years researching the symbolic meanings of the dharma wheel. The wheel of dharma has 3 basic components that make up the chariot wheel. The wheel of dharma is commonly understood today to represent the wheel of an ancient chariot from the Indus Valley Civilization. In other words, dharma became to be understood as a means to maintain righteousness. In ancient “Vedas Texts”, dharma is referred to as the “cosmic law” that created the universe.ĭharma was also applied in other contexts, such as the fundamental ways of living that prevent society from descending into chaos. In the original Indian language of Sanskrit dharma comes from the root word “dhri”, which means “to hold,” “to maintain,” or “to preserve.” The Purnas say that “the chariot of the sun-god has only one wheel” – the sun Wheel Of The Law – The symbolic ‘wheel of the sun’ coincides with later versions of Hindu text known as the “Great Puranas which were written around the year 600 ( 3,000 years after the original symbol). ![]() By doing so we have a chance at everlasting and complete happiness.According to author Robert Beer, who has studied Buddhist symbols for over 40 years, in it’s oldest form, the ‘wheel of dharma’ first appears on ancient Indus valley seals as a symbol for the sun around 2,500 BC. It is said that if one follows these eight noble truths we may learn the way to enlightenment just as the Buddha once did. We must not engage in activities that do not benefit the greater good of society.Ħ- Right Effort- We must put our best foot forward at all times and make a sincere effort to do our best in everything that we aim to accomplishħ- Right Mindfulness- We must make it a constant habit to be aware of all our thoughts, words, and actions.Ĩ- Right Concentration- We must try to put our full attention on only one thing at a time, paying undivided attention to everything we do. Our behavior should stand as mirror to our character and our intentions must match our actions.ĥ- Right Livelihood- We must choose a profession that does good upon others, not harm. ![]() We must speak to every living being with respect and trust, regardless of their position or current state.Ĥ- Right Conduct- We must conduct ourselves in a manner of extreme integrity. We must train our minds to think clearly and with the intention of doing good in order to build strong and resolute character.ģ- Right Speech- We must speak kindly and lovingly to every living being. These 8 central teachings are as follows:ġ- Right View- One must try to see the world through the same lenses of the Buddha, with compassion and deep rooted wisdom.Ģ- Right Thought- One must live by the notion that every thought affects our well-being. The spokes represent the teachings and practices that will lead to this one central core, or enlightenment, and therefore the end to suffering. ![]() All 8 spokes lead into one central hub in the middle just a a wheel on a bike. For those not yet familiar, this concept can be envisioned as a great wheel containing eight distinctive spokes. View all Buddha Statues from Lotus SculptureĪfter achieving enlightenment, one of the first teachings of the Buddha was what he referred to as the Noble Eightfold Path or the Wheel of Dharma.
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