Hum 100 The Dharma Wheel
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
100
Subject
Religion
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
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3
Uploaded by Barbara8289
Harriet Creyer
Module Two: Project Proposal
Southern New Hampshire University
“The dharma wheel, or
dharma chakra
in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism.” (O'Brien, 2019) The simple expression of the views but the complex construction of the wheel enters locked into the basic components. The Hub, Spokes and the Rim all are part of the bigger picture and how the views of a single person or a group of people can be defined. “Originally a Indian symbol for sovereignty, power, and protection” (Person, 2022). The perfection of Buddha’s teachings, the mindfulness and meditative concentration of holding the practice together. Each of the parts of the wheel have specific meanings in addition to the perfect nature of the wheel itself. Often you will hear people talking about being centered in life allowing for structure and success. The hub at the center of the wheel represents this thought process. It is believed that the swirls seen on some representatives of the Wheel are the three jewels of Buddha. The spokes of the wheel are said to be or to represent the Noble Eightfold path. This path is said to “lead one out of the cycle of rebirth” (Person, 2022). Not every Dharma wheel has
only 8 spokes some are said to have 10 spokes some even 24 spokes. Each different number of spokes having different meanings. The 24 spoke wheel even having a slightly different name called the Ashoka Chakra. The oldest existing example of the Ashoka Chakra dates back to Ashoka the Great around 300 B.C.E. having been found on pilers. There are a few that are rarely seen one is the 4 spoke wheel representation of the 4 noble
truths. Additionally, you may see a wheel having spokes that extent past the outside of the wheel being called spikes. These “Spikes” can represent various penetrating insights. They call them spikes, but many look at them as extensions of the spokes as they are not really sharp. (Person, 2022)
References
O'Brien, B. (2019, April 4). What the Dharmachakra (or dharma wheel) represents to Buddhists. Learn Religions. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.learnreligions.com/the-dharma-
wheel-449956
Person. (2022, July 6). Symbolism in buddhism. ArcGIS StoryMaps. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/897249eaaa174f5187e07abd08a11421
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