Buddhism Symbol – The Eightfold Path to Enlightenment

What exactly is the symbol of Buddhism and what does it mean? We explain it to you in this blog!

We all recognize the cheerful Buddha as a symbol for Buddhism and the lotus flower is also very famous. But when it comes to the most meaningful symbol, Buddhism has another, although it’s a little less well known in the west. Read on to find out what it is and what it means!

What is the Symbol of Buddhism?

The symbol of Buddhism is a wheel with 8 spokes. It is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism and is therefore, for followers all over the world, it is the main symbol of this religious movement. This symbol dates back in Indian art to the time of the Buddhist king Asoka.

What is the name of the Symbol of Buddhism?

They call the symbol from Buddhism ‘Dharmachakra’, which means ‘Wheel of Dharma’. The word ‘dharma’ cannot be literally translated into a single English word, but means something like ‘the way to enlightenment’. It symbolizes the life path you take to be a good person. Everyone walks their own Dharma, so this path is different for everyone. In Hinduism, Dharma stands for doing good, which is still a challenge for many people! If you do not do this, you will have to deal with Karma, your cosmic credit. Good deeds bring you one step closer to enlightenment, bad deeds bring negative consequences that will set you back spiritually. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around.

History Symbol Buddhism Wheel

The Dharmachakra or Chakra Wheel was first used in the time of the Buddhist king Asoka. This king or emperor was one of the greatest rulers of India about 250 BC. Later, the Wheel of Dharma was recognized as the oldest Buddhist symbol and is now even known as the general symbol of Buddhism. You’ll often find the Dharmachakra on the eaves of temples, just above the entrance door. Sometimes they’re in gilded copper  relief, but they’re often also statues.

The Eight Symbols of Buddhism

The Wheel of Dharma symbol is a wheel with eight different spokes. The eight spokes symbolize the eightfold path to enlightenment. These eight steps explain how we as humans can overcome unrest and suffering. There is no fixed order here:

• the right insight
• the right intention
• speaking correctly
• the right livelihood
• the right effort
• doing the right thing
• the right attention
• the right concentration

This eightfold path is different from the eight symbols of Buddhism, although the Dharma Chakra Wheel is one of the symbols. Together with the Chattra (umbrella), Padma (lotus flower), Sankha (conch), Kalasha (treasure vase), Dhvaja (banner), Shrivasta (infinite knot), Matsyayugma (golden fish), the Dharmachakra is one of the eight Buddhist symbols for luck. But “Oh Deer”, there’s one more to add!

Deer Symbol Buddhism Meaning

Buddha’s first lecture is also known as the first turning of the wheel. Shortly after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya, he traveled to Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges. There he spoke in a deer park to a small group of people. It is therefore not surprising that deer are often depicted flanking the wheel! This first lesson that he gave set the wheel, which symbolizes the dharma teachings, in motion. The audience from the deer park became his first followers and the first members of the monastic community.

More Meaning Symbol Buddhism

The circle in Buddhism symbolizes the perfection of the Dharma teachings. Buddha used the Wheel of Dharma to spread his teachings. The eight spokes – symbolizing the eight lessons of life – lead the way to the center of the wheel, the axle. This is the only part of the wheel that stands still, yet at the same time it is what connects to the rest of the wheel as a whole. The axle is therefore a symbol of enlightenment. According to some, the rotating part of the wheel divides into three elements, which symbolize the Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, his teachings (Dharma), and the spiritual community (Sangha). Others say that the axle represents discipline, the spokes represent wisdom, and the rim symbolizes concentration. Maybe this reminds you of the elements of Meditation, an important practice on you path to enlightenment in Buddhism!

More Like Buddhism Symbol Meaning

Are you now familiar with the Buddhism symbol and its meaning and are you curious about more Buddhist symbolism? Then take a look at our blog about the Different Buddhas around the world and words of Buddhist Wisdom. You may also need a bit of help seeing the Difference Between Buddhism and Hinduism. They have a lot in common, but not everything! Whatever you want to know, you can read everything about symbolism and Buddhism at Spiru!

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