The Wheel of Dhamma (Dharma)

Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha and the cosmic law and order that governs the universe.

The Wheel of Dhamma holds immense significance in Buddhism as it symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha and the path to liberation from suffering. According to beliefs, the Buddha delivered his first sermon soon after enlightenment at Deer Park in Sarnath, India. During this momentous discourse, the Buddha set the Wheel of Dhamma in motion by expounding the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Wheel of Dhamma is commonly portrayed as a circle adorned with eight spokes, with each spoke representing one of the Noble Eightfold Path factors: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Its circular shape symbolizes the perfection and completeness of the Buddha's teachings, embodying his profound wisdom. Moreover, the Wheel of Dhamma represents the Buddha's boundless compassion and unwavering dedication to guiding sentient beings toward enlightenment and liberation.

In certain Buddhist traditions, the Wheel of Dhamma is linked to the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma, which denote the three significant sets of teachings imparted by the Buddha during his lifetime. The first turning occurred at the Deer Park in Sarnath, the second at Vulture's Peak near Rajgir, and the third at Shravasti. Each turning contributed essential insights to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

To conclude, the Wheel of Dhamma is a potent symbol encapsulating the essence of Buddhism's core teachings and the path to enlightenment. It embodies the perpetual dissemination of wisdom and compassion worldwide, inspiring practitioners to embrace the Noble Eightfold Path and achieve liberation from suffering.