Harshita Sinha
The Wheel of Dharma originates from the Buddha's first sermon at Deer Park in Varanasi, where he shared the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path—the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
The wheel has eight spokes, each representing one of the steps on the Eightfold Path—guiding practitioners toward enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
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The center of the Wheel represents the Buddha's teachings, the core principles that guide practitioners towards enlightenment—wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The rim of the Dharma Wheel symbolizes the unity and protection provided by the teachings. It holds the wheel together and keeps it in motion, just as Dharma holds the teachings of Buddhism together.
Spinning the Dharma Wheel symbolizes the spread of the Buddha's teachings and is believed to bring merit and a deeper understanding of the Dharma.
The Wheel of Dharma is not just a symbol but a guide to spiritual awakening. It reminds practitioners of the path to freedom from suffering and the pursuit of wisdom, compassion, and peace.