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Buddhism. Just as the cross is considered in Christianity, the place and position
of the dharma wheel is indispensably assured in Indian communities. Also
known as the dharmachakra in the Sanskrit rendering, the symbol is named
among the eight most auspicious Buddhism symbols. According to Indian
Iconography, the other symbols in this regard are the parasol, two golden fish,
the conch shell, the lotus, the banner of victory the vase and the eternal knot.
Origin
The dharma wheel is, etymologically speaking, an establishment of
law as espoused by Buddhist teachings. As one of
the ashtamangala of Buddhism, it is one of the longest existing
symbols— basing on available and verifiable sources. The symbol
made its grand entry on the Buddhist scene in the post-Indus Valley
Civilization and gained further notoriety of use in the time of
Buddhist King Ashoka. The Buddha, ostensibly, turned this wheel for the first
time when he delivered a sermon in the deer park. This, and other turnings of
the wheel, bespeak of the movements evident in the Buddhist cosmic order.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dharma wheel is an important symbol in Indian iconography.
The symbol has been used among Indian and Buddhist communities as a
depiction of Buddha’s teachings on, profoundly, how one can escape Samsara,
conquer evil and realize enlightenment— the desire of every Buddhist. It is also
essential in seeking to understand in the Buddhist understanding of
the Mangalas (universe) and associated quests for accomplishment and
enlightenment. To further buttress this understanding; Tibetans have
the ‘Prayer wheel’ which renders various attributes to the wheel, besides
considering it as a wheel of law.