Eight Spoked Wheel/Dharmachakra/Dharma Wheel
It is also called the ‘Wheel of Truth/Law’ (dharma = truth/law, chakra = wheel). It refers to a story after Buddha achieved enlightenment, Lord Brahma (who is like our God) came down from heaven and requested the Buddha to teach by offering him a Dharmachakra. The Buddha is known as the Wheel turner; he who sets a new cycle of teachings in motion and in consequence changes the course of destiny.
The Dharma Wheel has eight spokes that stands for the Eight-fold Noble Path. The 3 swirling segments in the centre represent the Buddha, Dharma (teachings) and Sangha (spriritual community). These spokes have sharp edges that are believed to ward off ignorance. The shape of the wheel is round which conveys the completeness and faultlessness of the Buddha’s teachings. The wheel can be divided into 3 parts, each representing an aspect of Buddhist practice: spokes stand for wisdom, the hub for discipline and the rim for concentration.
The Dharma Wheel has eight spokes that stands for the Eight-fold Noble Path. The 3 swirling segments in the centre represent the Buddha, Dharma (teachings) and Sangha (spriritual community). These spokes have sharp edges that are believed to ward off ignorance. The shape of the wheel is round which conveys the completeness and faultlessness of the Buddha’s teachings. The wheel can be divided into 3 parts, each representing an aspect of Buddhist practice: spokes stand for wisdom, the hub for discipline and the rim for concentration.