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The dharma wheel is one of the most ancient symbols in Indian history and culture. Its meaning and significance vary depending on which culture and religion uses it, but today it’s typically seen as a Buddhist symbol.
In this article, we will unlock the mysteries behind the dharma wheel to better understand its history and symbolic meaning.
History of the Dharma Wheel
The Dharma Wheel, or Dharmachakra, plays a significant role in Indian culture and history, symbolizing not only Buddhism but also Hinduism and Jainism. However, Buddhists weren’t the first to use the wheel as a symbol. They adopted it from the ideals of an earlier Indian king, known as a ‘wheel turner’ or universal monarch.
The word Dharmachakra comes from the Sanskrit dharma, meaning an aspect of truth in Buddhist philosophy, and chakra, meaning wheel. Together, the Dharmachakra represents the “wheel of truth.”
The Dharma Wheel symbolizes the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and the principles he followed on his path to enlightenment. After reaching enlightenment, the Buddha ‘turned the wheel’ when he gave his first sermon, setting the wheel of dharma in motion.
One of the oldest depictions of the Dharmachakra can be traced back to the time of Ashoka the Great, between 304 to 232 BC. Emperor Ashoka ruled over all of India, which included regions later known as Pakistan and Bangladesh. As a Buddhist, Ashoka led India to greatness by closely following the teachings of Sidharta Gautama, the first Buddha.
Ashoka never forced his people to practice Buddhism, but the ancient pillars made during his time proved that he preached the teachings of Buddha to his people. Engraved in these pillars were the so-called Ashoka Chakras. These are dharma wheels that have 24 spokes which represent Buddha’s teachings as well as the concept of dependent origination. The Ashoka Chakra is pretty popular today because it is seen at the center of the modern Indian Flag.
For Hindus, the Dharmachakra is commonly part of depictions of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. This wheel is believed to be a powerful weapon that can conquer desires and passions. The dharmachakra can also mean Wheel of the Law.
However, in Jainism, the Dharmachakra symbolizes the wheel of time, which has no beginning or no end. The dharma wheel of the Jains also has 24 spokes which represent the 24 royalties in their final lives known as tirthankaras.
Meaning and Symbolism of the Dharmachakra
While Buddhists generally believe that the dharma wheel itself symbolizes the Buddha, they also think that each part of the dharma Wheel represents several values that are important in their religion. These include the following:
- Round Shape – This symbolizes the perfection of the teachings of Buddha.
- Rim – The dharma wheel’s rim signifies a Buddhist’s ability to take in all the teachings of Buddha through concentration and meditation.
- Hub – The central hub of the Dharmachakra signifies moral discipline. Inside the hub lies the Three Treasure Jewels of Buddhism, typically represented by three swirls. These jewels are Dharma, Buddha, and Sangha respectively.
- Cyclical Movement of the Wheel – This represents the reincarnation or the cycle of life in the world, known as Samsara. It incorporates birth, death and rebirth.
In addition to this symbolism, the number of spokes on the dharma wheel represents different aspects not just for Buddhists but for Hindus and Jains, too. So here are some of the meanings behind certain number of spokes on a dharma wheel:
- 4 spokes – The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. These are the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path.
- 8 spokes – The Eightfold Path to achieve enlightenment. These encompass the right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, concentration, and mindfulness.
- 10 spokes – These spokes represent the 10 directions of Buddhism.
- 12 spokes – The 12 Links of Dependent Origination taught by Buddha. These include the concepts of ignorance, social formations, consciousness, the constituents of a living being, the six senses (which includes the mind), contact, sensation, thirst, grasping, birth, rebirth, old age, and death.
- 24 spokes – In Jainism, these represent the 24 tirthankaras that are near nirvana. In Buddhism, they also call a Dharmachakra with 24 spokes the Ashoka Wheel. first 12 represent the 12 links of dependent origination and the next 12 represents the causal links in reverse order. The reversal of these 12 stages of suffering signifies the escape from reincarnation through enlightenment.
In other religions in India, particularly in Hinduism and Jainism, the dharma wheel represents the wheel of law and the continuous passage of time.
The Dharma Wheel in Fashion and Jewelry
Buddhists often choose Dharma Wheel jewelry as an alternative to wearing Buddha symbols. While the general rule forbids wearing Buddha as an accessory, no such restriction applies to the Dharma Wheel.
As a result, the Dharmachakra frequently appears as a charm on pendants, amulets, bracelets, and necklaces. People also wear it as a pin or brooch. Designers style the Dharma Wheel in various ways, with the most popular resembling a ship’s wheel featuring eight spokes. Below is a curated list of the editor’s top picks showcasing the Dharma Wheel symbol.
Aside from jewelry, the dharma wheel is also a popular tattoo design especially for those who believe in Hinduism, Jainism or Buddhism. Designers can stylize the Dharma Wheel in many ways, and since it represents a common object (the wheel), it remains quite discreet.
In Brief
The Dharmachakra is one of the most important and sacred symbols of India. It is widely known as the central symbol in the Indian flag. But the wheel’s true significance lies with its connection to religion, specifically to Buddhism. It serves as a reminder to always follow the teachings of Buddha to end suffering and reach enlightenment.Â