![]() It is a symbol of order and religious routine that devout Hindu followers must practice. The Dharmachakra meaning in Hinduism refers more to the Dharma Wheel as the Wheel of Law. The Dharma Wheel in Different Cultures Hinduism It can be seen in images of Buddha as it appears on his hands and feet - representing one of the Marks of a Great Man. Nowadays, the Dharma Wheel is depicted in the art within the various Buddhist cultures. In 1947, the Ashoka Cha kra became a part of the Indian flag. These Dharma Wheels also had twenty-four spokes and usually appeared sitting on top of four lions who were sitting back to back as they each faced one of the four cardinal points. However, the Dharma Wheel was appearing in Indian artworks before Ashoka the Great's reign. Ashoka Chakras, Dharma Wheels with twenty-four spokes, can be found on these pillars. Many of the pillars he built are s till standing today and depict various edicts that encouraged his people to practice Buddhism, while never forcing it upon them. He ruled over India and followed the teachings of Buddhism. One of the oldest depictions of the Dharma Wheel as a symbol was found on pillars that were built by the Emperor Ashoka between 304 and 232 BC. Altogether, the three aspects of the Dharma Wheel symbolize concentration, ethics, and wisdom - which are all essential in the teachings of Buddha. These teachings were described as a wheel because they move and travel throughout the land and then people can practice control over their minds. When one practices Dharma, one is practicing the teachings of Buddha and protecting oneself from suffering and eliminating ignorance, thereby improving one's quality of life. In its entirety, the Dharma Wheel symbolizes Buddha's teachings. A Dharma Wheel with thirty-one spokes represents the thirty-one realms of existence found in Buddhist cosmology. The Ashoka Cha kra also represents the reversal of the Twelve Links and becoming free from Samsara - the continuous cycle of reincarnation. If a Dharma Wheel has twenty-four spokes, it is known as the Ashoka Chakra and symbolizes the twenty-four ideal qualities of a follower of Buddhism. Ten spokes on a Dharma Wheel signifie s the ten directions and twelve spokes symbolize the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. When the wheel has eight spokes, it represents the Eightfold Path and Buddhism. They are also known as the Three Treasures or Jewels.Ī Dharma Wheel with four spokes symbolizes the Four Noble Truths. The three swirling shapes on the hub, often depicted in blue, yellow and red, symbolize Dharma, Buddha, and Sang ha respectively. The hub in the center of the Dharma Wheel represents moral discipline. The circu lar shape of the wheel symbolizes the perfection of Buddha's teachings. The rim of the Dharma Wheel further signifies the ability to hold all of the teachings together by meditating and concentrating. Th ere are three different parts that make up the Dharma Wheel: the spokes, the hub, and the rim. ![]() There are multiple ways of interpreting the Dharma Wheel so there are several meanings behind the symbol. The Dharmachakra meaning generally refers to a typical Dharma Wheel with eight spokes - representing the Eightfold Path - and is the oldest, universal symbol for Buddhism. ![]() Three shapes are depicted within the center of the wheel, typically a Yin Yang shape, wheel or circle. While there are many variations of the Dharma Wheel, they are usually depicted with eight spokes and are gold in color. The Dharmachakra comes from the Dharma, which is the path to attaining enlightenment and reaching Nirvana (the highest state of being a person can achieve). It is one of the most important and sacred symbols in the Buddhist faith as it represents Buddha's teachings. The Dharma Wheel, Dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma, is one of the many sacred teachings of Buddhism and other Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Jainism.
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