Material: 925 silver. Pendant (gold. silver two colors)

Size: 1.6 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, the **Dharma Wheel** (Sanskrit: Dharmacakra, Tibetan: chos kyi 'khor lo) is an important symbol, representing the core and spread of the Buddha's teachings. The following is a description of the meaning and origin of the Dharma Wheel in Tibetan Buddhism:

**The meaning of the Dharma Wheel**

1. **The symbol of the spread of the Dharma**:

- The Dharma Wheel symbolizes the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) and their spread. The image of the wheel represents the Dharma rolling like a wheel, spreading the Buddha's wisdom and the path to liberation to all directions.

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel is often associated with "turning the Dharma Wheel", which means that the Buddha first preached (the first turning of the Dharma Wheel), taught the Four Noble Truths and other doctrines, and inspired sentient beings to liberation.

2. **Symbolism of the Universe and Samsara**:

- The circular structure of the Dharma Wheel symbolizes the perfection and endlessness of the universe, and also implies the cycle of Samsara. Through the practice of the Dharma, sentient beings can transcend Samsara and achieve Nirvana.

- The rotation of the wheel also represents the flow of time and the operation of the law of cause and effect.

3. **Eight-spoked Dharma Wheel and Eightfold Path**:

- The Dharma Wheel usually has eight spokes, symbolizing the "Eightfold Path" (right view, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration), which are the eight paths of practice leading to liberation taught by the Buddha.

- In Tibetan Buddhist art, the number of spokes of the Dharma Wheel may vary, but the eight-spoke Dharma Wheel is the most common, emphasizing the core teachings of the Eightfold Path.

4. **Unity of Wisdom and Compassion**:

- The center (hub) of the Dharma Wheel symbolizes stable wisdom, the spokes represent the branches of the teachings, and the rim symbolizes compassion and the perfect application of the teachings. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the combination of wisdom and compassion, and the Dharma Wheel becomes a visual expression of this concept.

5. **Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel is also related to the "Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel", representing the teachings taught by the Buddha at different stages:

1. **First Turning of the Dharma Wheel**: The Four Noble Truths were taught in Deer Park, laying the foundation for Hinayana Buddhism.

2. **Second Turning of the Dharma Wheel**: The teaching of emptiness and prajnaparamita is the core of Mahayana Buddhism.

3. **Third Turning of the Dharma Wheel**: The teaching of Tathagatagarbha and Buddha nature is taught, emphasizing that all sentient beings have the potential to become Buddhas.

- Tibetan Buddhism attaches great importance to the second and third turnings of the Dharma Wheel, which is related to its emphasis on the teachings of emptiness and Tathagatagarbha.

**Origin of the Dharma Wheel**

1. **History and Legend**:

- The origin of the Dharma Wheel can be traced back to ancient India. The wheel (chakra) was originally a symbol of power and rule in Indian culture. For example, the wheel of the Cakravartin represents the authority to rule the universe.

- The Buddha transformed this symbol into a spiritual symbol, representing the spread of the Dharma and the power of liberation. According to legend, when the Buddha first preached in Deer Park, it marked the "first turning of the Dharma Wheel", and since then the Dharma Wheel has become the core symbol of Buddhism.

2. **Evolution in Tibetan Buddhism**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel often appears in art, architecture and scriptures with other symbols (such as the Eight Auspicious Symbols). For example, the Dharma Wheel is often painted in temple murals or thangkas, accompanied by two deer, symbolizing the first turning of the Dharma Wheel in Deer Park.

- In the Tibetan Buddhist Mandala, the Dharma Wheel may also be used as the central pattern, representing the harmony between the universe and the Dharma.

3. **Visual Representation**:

- In Tibetan Buddhist art, the Dharma Wheel is usually golden or colorful, with three or four whirlpools in the center (symbolizing the Three Treasures or the Four Noble Truths), eight spokes, and the rim may be decorated with jewels or lotus patterns, reflecting the gorgeous style of Tibetan Buddhism.

- The Dharma Wheel is also often seen in ritual instruments (such as prayer wheels), and turning the prayer wheel is considered equivalent to chanting scriptures, spreading the Dharma, and accumulating merit.

**Application in Culture and Practice**

- **Prayer Wheel**: A unique Tibetan Buddhist ritual instrument with scriptures inside, which is believed to spread the Dharma and purify karma when turned. The design of the prayer wheel is directly derived from the symbolic meaning of the Dharma Wheel.

- **Temple and Thangka**: The Dharma Wheel often appears at the entrance of a temple or in a thangka, reminding practitioners of the core teachings of the Dharma.

- **Ritual and Meditation**: In some Tantric practices, the Dharma Wheel is seen as a symbol of the energy center (Chakra) and is related to the spiritual practice of the body.

**Summary**

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel is a symbol of Dharma, wisdom and compassion. It originated from the wheel image in ancient India and was given new spiritual meaning by the Buddha. It represents the spread of the Buddha's teachings, the practice of the Eightfold Path, and the laws of the universe and reincarnation. Through art, instruments and rituals, the Dharma Wheel has become an important symbol connecting doctrine and practice in Tibetan Buddhism, inspiring practitioners to pursue liberation and enlightenment.