The Wheel Of Life (Bhavacakra) by Acchaya Bajracharya

Origin The Buddha himself created the original concept of the Wheel of Life. It is painted on the outside walls of nearly every Tibetan Buddhist temple. Used to communicate to a general audience.

The Three Poisons Painted at the centre of the Wheel of Life. Symbolises the three roots to suffering (Samsara). The three root poisons (Kleshas); ignorance, attachment & anger.

Karma Is The second layer of the Wheel Of Life. Is made of 2 halves: light and dark Light half shows people, who are content, moving up realms. Dark half shows people, who are sad, moving down realms. Represent karma; the universal law of cause and effect. Second Layer

Samsara There are six realms of Samsara into which beings are reborn into. This is dictated by the being’s karma. Some realms seem more pleasant than others (e.g. God realm compared to Hell realm). All are forms of suffering (Samsara).

Twelve Nidanas The fourth layer of the Wheel of Life. They identify the origin of suffering (dukkha) as being in ignorance (avijja). There are 12 Nidanas known as the 12-fold chain.

Yama Yama is the figure holding the Wheel of Life. Yama is a wrathful deity who is the lord of death. Symbolises impermanence and the inevitability of death – ‘nothing lasts for ever’

Buddha and the Moon The Buddha is shown standing outside of the Wheel. The moon is used to represent liberation. The Buddha points to the moon.

Thank you for listening. Are there any questions?