Grasping Through the Cycle of the Wheel of Life 

The Wheel of Life is a detailed Buddhist diagram that illustrates the cycle of existence and suffering. It is called Bhavacakra in Sanskrit where "Bhava" means existence, and "Chakra" means wheel or cycle. The Bhavacakra is a powerful symbol in Buddhism that offers a visual guide to understanding the nature of existence, suffering, and the path to liberation. It is a significant symbol as it represents the cycle of existence, birth, death, rebirth, and the continuous nature of suffering.

It covers key Buddhist concepts like the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are called Chatwari Arya Satyani in Sanskrit, and they are:

1. Dukkha (The truth of suffering) 

2. Samudaya (The truth of the origin of suffering)

3. Nirodha (The truth of the end of the suffering)

4. Marga (The truth of the right path to end suffering)

A Wheel of Life Thangka is a visual representation of these teachings. It shows how a confused mind traps us in a cycle of suffering. Until we achieve enlightenment, we're stuck in this cycle. It represents both our external circumstances and internal states within this cycle of life.

Bhavacakras are typically found in Buddhist temples and monasteries around the world. They are often displayed on walls, ceilings, or as standalone artworks. They serve as powerful visual aids for teaching and understanding Buddhist principles. In addition to their cultural significance, the wheel of life is often depicted in thangkas and mandalas.

Ancient Origin of the Wheel of Life

The origins of the Wheel of Life can be traced back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. The first depiction of this exquisite art is said to have been created on the instruction of the Buddha himself. The story begins with King Bimbisara of Magadha, a devoted follower of the Buddha. The king found himself in a dilemma when he received a precious gift of a jeweled robe from his neighboring land, the King of Udayana. He then struggled to find a suitable return gift.

 

Buddha suggested that a diagram of the Wheel of cyclic existence would be the perfect gift, one that would convey the essence of his teachings. Following the Buddha’s instructions, King Bimbisara had the Bhavacakra diagram created and presented it to his fellow royal friend. The king who received such a precious gift was deeply moved, particularly by the stanza inscribed beneath the diagram, which conveyed the Buddha's profound teachings. The diagram inspired a wave of spiritual reflection throughout the kingdom, leading to widespread contemplation on the nature of existence and the causes of suffering.

The Final Stanza and the Path to Liberation

The inscription beneath the Wheel of Life read:

“Undertaking this and leaving that,
Enter into the teaching of the Buddha
Like an elephant in a thatch house
Destroy the forces of the lord of Death.

Those who with thorough conscientiousness
Practice this disciplinary doctrine
Will forsake the wheel of Birth
Bringing suffering to an end.”

This stanza emphasizes the importance of practicing the Buddha’s teachings to overcome the forces of samsara and attain Nirvana. It likens the power of an enlightened being to that of an elephant destroying a fragile hut, symbolizing the ability to overcome the Lord of Death (Yama) and escape the cycle of suffering. And when the Udayana King received such an invaluable gift, it is said that he attained realization after reading the final inscription.

Key Components of the Structure of the Wheel of Life

The Wheel of Life is a complex representation of the cycle of existence, suffering, and the path to liberation. It consists of several coordinated components. And these components work together to illustrate the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of suffering. Hence, the reason why the Bhavacakra serves as a powerful tool for understanding the Buddhist teachings and the path to liberation.

1. Outer Rim

• Samsara: The rim represents the cycle of rebirth, or Samsara, which is the continuous process of birth, death, and rebirth.
• Death: The deity of death is depicted at the center of the wheel, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the cycle of rebirth.

2. Central Circles

• Six Realms: The central circles represent the six realms of existence: gods, demigods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings. These realms are arranged in a hierarchical order, with gods at the top and hell beings at the bottom.
• Karma: The central circles also symbolize the concept of karma, which is the law of cause and effect. One's actions in this life determine their rebirth in the next.

3. Inner Circle

• Twelve Links of Dependent Origination: The inner circle depicts the twelve links of dependent origination, which are the twelve causes and conditions that lead to suffering. These links form a chain of interconnected events that cycle endlessly.

4. Central Figure:

• Buddha: Buddha is one important figure in many depictions of the Wheel of Life. The divine being is shown pointing towards the path to liberation, which is symbolized by a narrow gateway between the six realms.

The Three Poisons at the Center

Regarding the central circles, there is the depiction of three animals: a pig, a rooster, and a snake. Each of these living beings represents one of three poisons as they are seated at the heart of the Wheel of Life.

1. The Pig (Ignorance): The pig represents ignorance, which is considered the root of all suffering in Buddhism. Ignorance leads to a misunderstanding of the true nature of reality, keeping beings trapped in the cycle of samsara.
2. The Rooster (Attachment/Desire): The rooster symbolizes attachment and desire, the craving for pleasure, and the clinging to material possessions and relationships. This attachment leads to endless dissatisfaction and suffering.
3. The Snake (Aversion/Anger): The snake represents aversion, anger, and hatred. These negative emotions arise from ignorance and lead to destructive behavior and suffering.

 

The depiction of these animals in such an unsurpassed art form illustrates the interdependent nature of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. Each representation is entwined with each other. The snake and the rooster are often shown emerging from the mouth of the pig, signifying that anger and attachment arise from ignorance.

The Six Realms of Existence

The largest section of the Wheel of Life is divided into six segments, each representing one of the six realms of existence. These realms reflect the different states of consciousness that beings can experience, each with its own unique form of suffering. And they are mentioned below:

1. God Realm
2. Demi God Realm
3. Animals Realm
4. Hell Realm
5. Hungry Ghost Realm
6. Human Realm

 In this realm, beings enjoy great wealth, pleasure, and power. However, the comfort and luxury of this realm lead to complacency and a lack of motivation to seek enlightenment. The beings in this realm are depicted as battling with the demigods, driven by pride and attachment to their privileges.

The demigods, or asuras, are depicted as constantly at war with the gods. They are driven by jealousy and envy, especially towards the gods who enjoy the fruits of the Wish-Fulfilling Tree, which they cannot reach. This realm represents the suffering that arises from envy and the constant struggle for power.

The beings in the animal realm suffer due to their ignorance and limited understanding. They live in constant fear of being hunted or exploited by humans and other animals. This realm symbolizes the suffering that arises from ignorance and the lack of spiritual insight.

The hell realm is depicted as a place of extreme suffering, where beings endure intense heat, cold, and other forms of physical and mental torment. The beings in this realm are subject to the judgment of Yama, the Lord of Death, who weighs their past deeds. This realm represents the suffering that arises from hatred and negative karma.

• The Eight Hot Hell
• The Eight Cold Hells
• The Neighboring Hell
• The Ephemeral Hell

The beings in this realm, known as pretas or hungry ghosts, suffer from insatiable hunger and thirst. They are depicted with large bellies and tiny mouths, making it impossible to satisfy their cravings. This realm represents the suffering that arises from greed and insatiable desire.

The human realm is considered the most fortunate realm because it offers the greatest opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The sentient beings experience both pleasure and suffering, but they also have the capacity for self-reflection and moral development. The suffering in this realm is characterized by the four inevitable aspects of human life: birth, aging, sickness, and death.

The Intermediate State (Bardo)

The Bardo, or the intermediate state situated in the center of the Wheel of Life, surrounds the three poisons. This state represents the transition between death and rebirth, where beings experience the consequences of their past actions. The bardo is depicted as a divided circle, with one half representing beings destined for the higher realms (gods, demigods, and humans) and the other half representing beings destined for the lower realms (animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings).

The Six Sages of the Six Realms

Each of the six realms in the Wheel of Life is presided over by a sage or Buddha, who works to alleviate the suffering of the beings in that realm:

1. Sage of the Gods (Indra Sakra): White in color, he holds a sitar and subdues the pride of the gods.
2. Sage of the Demi-Gods (Vemacitra): Blue in color, he holds a sword and subdues the jealousy of the demigods.
3. Sage of the Humans (Shakyamuni): Yellow in color, he holds a monk’s staff and a bowl, guiding humans toward wisdom.
4. Sage of the Animals (Sthirasimha): Green in color, he holds a dharma text and subdues the ignorance of animals.
5. Sage of the Hungry Ghosts (Jvalamukha): Red in color, he holds a small casket and subdues the greed of the hungry ghosts.
6. Sovereign of Dharma (Yama Dharmaraja): Brown in color, he holds a conch shell and subdues the hatred of the hell beings.

These sages represent the potential for spiritual growth and liberation in each realm, offering guidance and support to beings trapped in samsara.

The 12 Links of Dependent Origination

The outermost circle of the Wheel of Life represents the twelve links of dependent origination. It is one of the most fundamental concepts in Buddhist philosophy, and it explains the process by which beings become trapped in the cycle of samsara. Each link in this chain is depicted in one of the 12 segments of the outer rim:

1. Ignorance (Avidya): Represented by a blind person, this link signifies the fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of reality.
2. Compositional Actions (Samskara): A potter shaping a pot symbolizes the karmic actions that arise from ignorance.
3. Consciousness (Vijnana): A monkey swinging from a tree represents the restless and unstable nature of consciousness.
4. Name and Form (Nama-Rupa): A boat being rowed across a river symbolizes the mind and body, the basis of individual existence.
5. Six Senses (Shadayatana): An empty house with six windows represents the six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and thought).
6. Contact (Sparsha): A couple embracing symbolizes the contact between the senses and their objects.
7. Feeling (Vedana): A person with an arrow in their eye represents the experience of pleasure, pain, or indifference.
8. Craving (Trishna): A man drinking alcohol represents the desire for sensory pleasures.
9. Grasping (Upadana): A person plucking fruit from a tree symbolizes attachment and clinging to desires.
10. Becoming (Bhava): A couple in coital union represents the continuation of existence.
11. Birth (Jati): A woman giving birth symbolizes the entry into a new life.
12. Aging and Death (Jara-Marana): A person carrying a corpse symbolizes the inevitable decline and end of life.

These twelve links illustrate how ignorance leads to suffering and rebirth, and they show the interconnectedness of all phenomena. The teachings and understanding of Dharma is the only path in breaking these links and to attain liberation from samsara.

The Symbolism of Impermanence and the Possibility of Liberation

The Wheel of Life is held in the grasp of Yama, the Lord of Death, who represents the impermanence of all things. This imagery serves as a reminder that no experience within the cycle of samsara is permanent, and that all beings are subject to change, decay, and death. However, the art of Bhavacakra also offers hope. In the upper right corner, outside the wheel, is depicted the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, one of the five Dhyani Buddhas. He represents the possibility of liberation and the attainment of Nirvana.

Shakyamuni Buddha, pointing towards the Pure Land, symbolizes the path to enlightenment and the potential for freedom from the cycle of birth and death. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that while samsara is fraught with suffering, there is a way out—a path that leads to the cessation of suffering and the realization of true, lasting peace.

Conclusion: The Wheel of Life Is a Spiritual Guide

The Wheel of Life is a profound and multifaceted symbol in Buddhist philosophy, encapsulating the core teachings of the Buddha about the nature of existence, the causes of suffering, and the path to liberation. It serves as a visual representation of the cycle of samsara, the process of dependent origination, and the potential for spiritual growth in each realm of existence. Through its intricate design and rich symbolism, the Wheel of Life offers a powerful tool for meditation and reflection, guiding practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

Bhavacakra is not just a piece of art rather it is a spiritual guide that encapsulates the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. By contemplating, one can gain insight into the nature of suffering, understand the interconnectedness of all phenomena, and discover the path to liberation. As a result, the Wheel of Life remains an essential and timeless symbol in the study and practice of Buddhism.