Dharmachakra is a Sanskrit word that literally means “Wheel of Dharma” or “Wheel of Law” (Blau). In Tibetian, the term Dharmachakra translates to the “Wheel of Transformation,” referring to spiritual transformation (Beer). In Buddhism, the Dharmachakra is regarded as a universal symbol of the religion, just like the Cross and the Star of David, which symbolize Christianity and Judaism, respectively. In Buddhism, there happen to be Eight Auspicious Symbols, or Ashtamangala, and the Dharmachakra is one of them. As the name of the symbolic emblem suggests, the Dharmachakra resembles the wheel of a chariot or wagon, and always has eight spokes, all of which represent the Noble Eightfold Path. Although the Dharmachakra can be in any color, but usually it is in gold as a representation of the illuminating glory of the Sun. The most simplified version of the Dharmachakra usually has a Gankyil or “Wheel of Joy” at the center, but it may also have another smaller Dharmachakra, a yin-yang symbol, or simply an empty circle there. In simple words, the core teaching of Buddhism and the path to enlightenment are represented by the Dharmachakra symbol.
Meaning of the Dharmachakra
Over the years, various meanings of the parts of the Dharmachakra have been contemplated. The three basic parts of the Dharmachakra are regarded by some Buddhists as a representation of the “three trainings” in Buddhism. The completeness and the transcendence of the teachings of the Buddha, the dharma, are symbolized by the circular shape of the Dharmachakra. The diligence and meditative concentration that bind Buddhist practice together are symbolized by the rim. Righteous conduct is symbolized by the hub. The application of wisdom to vanquish ignorance is symbolized by the spokes. As mentioned, the eight spokes of the Dharmachakra represent the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path, namely Right action, Right concentration, Right effort, Right intention, Right livelihood, Right mindfulness, Right speech, and the Right view (Dhammanada 120). Although there are always eight spokes in the traditional Buddhist Dharkmachakra, the number of spokes can vary as well. For instance, the Dharmachakra based on the Indian tradition has been depicted in Dvaravati art from the 7th - 11th century A.D. as having a lot more than eight spokes (Grünwedel and Gibson).
Depending on how many spokes the Dharmachakra has, the meaning of the spokes can vary accordingly.
▪ A Dharmachakra with four spokes symbolizes the four levels of Dhyāna, Four Jinas, or the Four Noble Truths.
▪ A Dharmachakra with ten spokes symbolizes the Directions Knowledges Powers.
▪ A Dharmachakra with twenty-four spokes is known as an Ashoka Chakra, representing the Laws of Dharma, and can be found on the Tiranga, the National flag of India.
▪ A Dharmachakra with thirty-one spokes symbolizes the Thirty-one Planes of Existence form ancient Buddhist cosmology.
Significance
The Buddhists believe that it was Buddha who “turned the Wheel of Law” for the first time and that is how the Dharmachakra came into being. The rapid spiritual change that was brought about by the teachings of the Buddha is metaphorically symbolized by Dharmachakra. The Buddhists believe that the Dharmachakra was turned thrice. They call it “Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma,” referring to three major sermons of the Buddha. The “First Turning” of the Dharmachakra occurred at the historic “Mriga Dava” (Deer Park) in Sarnath, India, where the Buddha taught his disciples about the Four Noble Truths. The “Second Turning” and “Third Turning” of the Dharmachakra occurred at Rajagriha and Shravasti. The endless cycle of death and rebirth, or samsara is symbolized by the Dharmachakra as well, which can only be escaped by means of the teachings of the Buddha. In Indian religions, the term Chakravartin incorporates the Dharmachakra, since it refers to an ideal universal leader through whom the “Wheel of Dharma” will continue moving. The Dharmachakra is also compared to the Sudarshana Chakra to imply the fact that the Dharmachakra is capable of cutting through any hurdles and illusions.
During the early years of Buddhist art, when images of Buddha had not yet been introduced, the Dharmachakra was a common symbol. During that time, both Buddha himself and his teachings were symbolized by Dharmachakra. During the 3rd century B.C., the Emperor Ashoka built a series of columns in the northern Indian subcontinent, each of which have four carved lions and four Dharmachakras (24 spokes) on top as a proclamation of Buddhist Dharma throughout India. Today, the art of all the Buddhist cultures contains the Dharmachakra. The Dharmachakra appears as one of the 32 signs of a great man on the hands and soles of the feet in images of the Buddha. The Dharmachakra is a particular eminent symbol in Tibet, where the symbol is depicted with a seated deer on both sides, symbolizing the “First Turning” by the Buddha in the Deer Park (Beer). Another version of the Dharmachakra that is often depicted is with a flower pedestal supporting the Dharmachakra with a deer, doe, and buck on both sides. The Dharmachakra is also pivotal to Buddhist mandalas, geometric figures representing the Buddhist universe. The Dharmachakra Mudra, the hand gesture in which the Buddha uses his index finger and thumb to form a wheel is also a representation of the Dharmachakra.
The Function of the Dharmachakra
The Buddhists believe that whenever the Buddha traveled to give sermons, the Dharmachakra along with the other Eight Auspicious Symbols would miraculously appear on his body. In fact, the oldest, and perhaps the very first depiction of the Dharmachakra was a natural imprint on a footprint of the Buddha from 1st century CE, Gandhāra ("Flickr"). This is why there is a tradition where Buddhists greet visiting Dharma teachers by carrying banners and streamers containing, the Dharmachakra and the other Eight Auspicious Symbols, and drawing them on the floor. The Dharmachakra has become a symbol of the Dharma itself, and whenever the Dharma spreads, the Dharmachakra reaches there too. Although Indians refer to the Dharmachakra on their National flag as the “Ashoka Chakra,” they are quite unaware of the fact Ashoka had become a devout Buddhist. The twenty-four spoke Dharmachakra also signifies motion. In movement there is life, and stagnation leads to death.
The spinning wheel of Mahatma Gandhi, which remained on the Indian National flag until its freedom in August 1947, was replaced with the Dharmachakra. The Dharmachakra can also be seen on the National flag of Tibet, where it is held by two snow lions. Monasteries and other learning centers in Tibet have the Dharmachakra with the two deers on top of them (Beer). Theravadin Buddhists are not very serious about Buddhist symbols but the Dharmachakra is also honored by them as well. The eight spoke Dharmachakra is even a significant symbol in Japan as well. During the enthroning of the Dalai Lama or any high Lamas, or whenever they engage in long life prayer ceremonies, a golden Dharmachakra is offered to them as a token for their long life and to request them to continue teaching. All of these signify the acceptance and the relevance of the Dharmchakra today, especially in the Buddhist religion.
Influence of the Dharmachakra in Modern Times
Today, the Dharmachakra is symbol close to the hearts of all those who practice the Dharma. However, people from other cultures are not aware of the meaning and significance of the Dharmachakra, even though the symbol has found its way on modern day accessories such as badges, clothing, jewelry, mouse pads, etc. For outsiders, the Dharmachakra is nothing but the “Buddhist wheel symbol.” Even though the birth of Buddhism can be traced back to India, even the Indian society does not recognize the true significance of the Dharmchakra, the symbol that is not only present on their flag but also on the logo of their Supreme Court, where it is recognized as a the wheel of justice. For centuries, the dharma or justice that the Dharmachakra signifies has been atrociously suppressed in the Indian society (Francis). Nonetheless, the spiritual influence remains on those who practice the Dharma. For modern Buddhists, the Dharmachakra helps them develop good spiritual capacities, such as diligence, endurance, spiritual insight, etc. Thus, in conclusion, the Dharmachakra is the universal symbol of Buddhism, which is a representation of the teachings that the Buddha left behind, and a reminder of all that he taught.
Works Cited
Beer, Robert. The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. 1st. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publication Inc., 2003. Print.
Blau, Tatjana. Buddhist Symbols. Sterling, 2002. Print.
Dhammanada, Dr. K. Sri. What Buddhist Believe. Expanded 4th ed. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/whatbelieve.pdf, 2002. 120. Web.
Footprint of the Buddha with Dharmachakra and triratna, 1st century CE, Gandhāra. 2009. FlickrWeb. 3 Feb 2013.
Footprint of the Buddha with Dharmachakra and triratna, 1st century CE, Gandhāra. 2009. Flickr. Web. 3 Feb 2013.
Francis, Bijo. "India's dharmachakra seen but not felt."article2.org. article2, 1 7 2008. Web. 4 Feb 2013.
Grünwedel, Albert, and Agnes C. Gibson. Buddhist Art in India. Nabu Press, 2010. Print.
