018_ROUE_DE_L_EXISTENCE
The Bhavacakra
Comprendre l'Existence
The Wheel of Existence is one of the most famous representations in Buddhist art.
Terms
Sanskrit : Bhavacakra (भवचक्र)
Pali : Bhavacakka
Etymology
The word Bhavacakra is composed of :
— Bhava : existence, becoming ;
— Cakra : wheel.
The term means :
« Wheel of Existence »
or
« Wheel of Becoming ».
This symbolic representation illustrates how beings remain caught in the cycle of Saṃsāra.
Translations in the major languages of Buddhism
Sanskrit : Bhavacakra
Pali : Bhavacakka
Chinese : 有輪 / 生死輪 (Shēngsǐlún)
Tibetan : སྲིད་པའི་འཁོར་ལོ་ (Sipé Khorlo)
Japanese : 生死輪 (Shōjirin)
Korean : 생사륜 (Saengsaryun)
Vietnamese : Bánh Xe Luân Hồi
Thai : วงล้อแห่งสังสารวัฏ
English : Wheel of Life
French : Roue de l'Existence
Definition
The Wheel of Existence is one of the most famous representations in Buddhist art.
It illustrates :
— the cycle of Saṃsāra ;
— the causes of suffering ;
— the mechanisms of rebirth ;
— the possibility of liberation.
In Tibetan monasteries, it is often painted at the entrance of temples to remind people of the human condition and the path to Enlightenment.
General Structure of the Wheel
The Wheel consists of several concentric circles.
Each circle reveals an aspect of conditioned existence.
At the center :
the three poisons.
Around :
the different states of existence.
Then :
the twelve links of causality.
The whole is held by Yama, the lord of impermanence.
The Center of the Wheel
THE THREE POISONS
The pig
Ignorance.
The snake
Hatred and aversion.
The rooster
Attachment and desire.
These three forces fuel the cycle of Saṃsāra.
The Six Realms of Existence
THE REALM OF THE GODS
Pleasures and comfort.
THE REALM OF THE DEMI-GODS
Competition and jealousy.
THE HUMAN REALM
Balance conducive to spiritual practice.
THE ANIMAL REALM
Instinct and ignorance.
THE REALM OF HUNGRY GHOSTS
Endless desires.
THE HELL REALM
Intense suffering.
These realms can be understood as rebirths or as psychological states.
The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
The outer rim represents the twelve links that explain how suffering perpetuates itself.
They begin with :
ignorance,
and progressively lead to :
attachment,
becoming,
birth,
old age and death.
See also :
017_CAUSALITE
Yama
The Wheel is generally held by Yama.
He symbolizes :
— impermanence ;
— time ;
— death.
Even celestial worlds remain subject to change.
The Buddha Outside the Wheel
Outside the Wheel, the Buddha often appears.
He points to the moon.
The moon symbolizes :
— Enlightenment ;
— liberation ;
— Nirvāṇa.
The message is clear :
there is a way out of the cycle.
Understanding According to Traditions
THERAVĀDA
The Wheel illustrates the mechanisms of Saṃsāra and causality.
MAHĀYĀNA
It becomes a pedagogical tool for developing wisdom and compassion.
VAJRAYĀNA
It holds an important place in Tibetan iconography and teaching.
Associated Images and Symbols
THE BHAVACAKRA
Complete image of conditioned existence.
THE MOON
Symbol of liberation.
THE BUDDHA
Guide to Enlightenment.
THE THREE ANIMALS
Ignorance, attachment, and aversion.
Associated Concepts
006_DUKKHA
009_KARMA
010_SAMSARA
017_CAUSALITE
019NOBLEPATH
051_VACUITE
052_INTERDEPENDANCE
Quote
« As a wheel follows the foot of the ox that pulls the cart, consequences follow actions. »
— Inspired by the Dhammapada
Buddhachannel — A Simple Practice
Today, observe a recurring behavior in your life.
A reaction.
A habit.
A fear.
An expectation.
Then ask yourself :
« What still fuels this wheel? »
Perhaps you will discover that a simple change in attitude can already slow its movement.
The Wheel of Existence teaches us that every moment also contains the possibility of a new beginning.
Keywords
Bhavacakra • Wheel of Existence • Saṃsāra • Karma • Causality • Rebirth • Three Poisons • Enlightenment • Nirvāṇa • Buddhism
Buddhachannel Multilingual Buddhist Encyclopedia
018WHEELOFTHEEXISTENCE
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