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DHARMA WHEEL - DHARMACHAKRA
The dharmachakra is a Buddhist emblem
of Hindu origin. It resembles a wagon
wheel with eight spokes, each
representing one of the eight tenets of
Buddhist belief. It is drawn from an
Indian symbol, but instead of
representing Samsara, or endless
rebirth, it symbolizes overcoming
obstacles.
The term “Dharma” refers to the Buddha’s teachings and
the essential truths of Buddhism. A person may learn of the
Dharma from sutras and teachers, but most importantly it
must be practiced in daily life. The eight-spoke Dharma
wheel symbolizes Sakyamuni Buddha’s supreme
enlightenment and his subsequent teachings, which set what
Buddhists call the Wheel of Law in motion.
In his first sermon, the Buddha described the Four Noble
Truths as:
All existence is suffering.
The cause of suffering is greed and ignorance.
The end of suffering is a state free from greed and
ignorance.
The way to end suffering is to follow the Middle Way of the
Noble Eightfold Path.
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