Significance of Wheel of Dharma

The Wheel of Dharma is a central concept in Buddhism symbolizing the ongoing cycle of teachings offered by the Buddha, aimed at guiding sentient beings toward enlightenment. It encapsulates the principles of righteousness and the transformative path laid out by the Buddha, highlighted by continuous movement as teachings are shared and disseminated. This metaphor extends through various interpretations, including its significance in Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism, representing compassion, liberation, and the cyclical nature of life and spiritual practice.1
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Synonyms: Dharma wheel, Wheel of law, Buddhist wheel

In Swedish: Wheel of Dharma; In Dutch: Wiel van Dharma; In Finnish: Dharman pyörä; In Spanish: Rueda del Dharma; In German: Rad der Lehre; In Malay: Roda Dharma; In French: Roue du Dharma

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Wheel of Dharma'

Buddhism Books

The Wheel of Dharma in Buddhism symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha that spread enlightenment, address suffering, and guide practitioners through a cyclical process toward understanding, liberation, and compassion for all sentient beings.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A concept related to the Exalted One, symbolizing the spreading of teachings.[1] (2) The teachings that the Exalted One set rolling, and the monks inquired about his departure, after which they inquired about the events surrounding his departure.[2] (3) The teaching of the Buddha, symbolized by a wheel, representing the path to enlightenment.[3] (4) A symbolic representation of the teachings of the Buddha, signifying the path to enlightenment.[4] (5) The teaching of the dharma, akin to a cycle of teachings that brings forth spiritual enlightenment.[5]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The Wheel of Dharma represents the teachings of the Buddha, and Shariputra's interval between ordination and arhathood was necessary for him to turn the Wheel of Dharma after the Buddha.[6] (2) The "Wheel of Dharma" is turned by the Bodhisattva, creating a grand miracle and a brilliant light that illumines the lokantarika.[7] (3) Turned by the Buddha, who is peerless, saving and delivering the threefold world, signifying his role as a savior.[8] (4) The teachings and principles expounded by the Buddha, which facilitate the path to enlightenment.[9] (5) A central metaphor in Buddhism signifying the path of Buddha's teachings and practices towards enlightenment.[10]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) The branch of requesting the buddhas to turn the wheel of dharma is part of the seven branch service, which is a practice that builds positive conditions in the mind to allow bodhicitta to arise.[11] (2) This is one of the twelve great deeds of the Buddha. Turning the wheel of dharma is one of the deeds. The turning of the wheel of dharma is one of the twelve deeds.[12] (3) A metaphorical term representing the teachings of Buddhism that are turned or transmitted by the teacher for the benefit of sentient beings.[13] (4) The teachings of Buddha as represented by their capacity to address and alleviate the suffering of sentient beings.[14]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) In the days to come, the Bodhisattva-mahasattvas shall turn this and teach Buddhism.[15] (2) It can be turned by means of good questions, leading to the killing of the great tree of the 12 links of causation.[16] (3) The cyclical nature of Buddhist teachings and practice that leads beings toward liberation.[17]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) The cyclical nature of Buddha's teachings that guide beings towards enlightenment.[18]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) According to the text, the three turnings to the "wheel of Dharma" teaches that the two kayas of buddhahood arise from the two accumulations, suggesting this is an important aspect for understanding dharma.[19] (2) Those who have gone to the Dharma for refuge will turn the wheel of Dharma, which means they will teach the Dharma to others, and spread the teachings.[20] (3) The teachings and practices of Buddhism that are spread by spiritual friends to cultivate enlightenment.[21] (4) The wheel of Dharma symbolizes the endless cycle of teachings provided by the Buddha, which are tailored to the needs of sentient beings in different realms.[22] (5) The teaching process in Mahayana Buddhism that is motivated by compassion and aims to benefit all sentient beings.[23]

From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies

(1) This is a metaphor for the Buddha's teachings, symbolizing how Dharma can rid sentient beings of their evil afflictions, and is a key concept in Buddhism.[24]

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: The Six Yogas of Naropa

(1) The heart center associated with the Beyond-Reach Bliss, relevant to the yogic experience of bliss.[25]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Wheel of Dharma'

Hinduism Books

The Wheel of Dharma in Hinduism symbolizes the cycle of life and truth teachings, representing the cyclical nature of existence. It emphasizes the importance of Dharma (righteousness) in spiritual practices and understanding life’s journey.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Garuda Purana

(1) A symbol representing the cycle of life and the teachings of truth, often associated with spiritual practices.[26]

From: Anugita (English translation)

(1) A metaphorical concept introduced by the Brahmana, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence, where Dharma (righteousness) plays a pivotal role in life and understanding.[27]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Wheel of Dharma in local and regional sources

History Books

The Wheel of Dharma symbolizes Emperor Asoka's advocacy for moral order and non-violence, representing a compassionate lifestyle, while also embodying the continuous cycle of moral duty and righteousness that guides ethical living.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The metaphorical wheel that signifies the continuous cycle of moral duty and righteousness and its importance in guiding life.[28] (2) The principle of moral order and non-violence endorsed by Emperor Asoka, signifying a compassionate way of life.[29]

The concept of Wheel of Dharma in scientific sources

Science Books

Wheel of Dharma relates to Buddhist teachings celebrated on Dharma Day. The Wheel of Dharma represents a key symbol within the Buddhist faith.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) In the figure’s mudra, the thumb and index finger of both hands touch to form a circle, like a representation of the Wheel of Dharma in Buddhist iconography.[30] (2) The text says that the expression ‘setting in motion of the wheel of dharma’ used to indicate the advent of Buddhist teaching is thus a double reference to royalty.[31] (3) The wheel of dharma is part of the Buddhist teaching that are celebrated on Dharma Day.[32]