6.7: The Buddhist Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra)
- Page ID
- 359631
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Artist: Various Buddhist artists
Medium: Painted diagram
Art Historical Time Period: Various, origin c. 5th century CE
The Buddhist Wheel of Life, also known as the Bhavachakra, is a symbolic representation of the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in Buddhism. It is often depicted as a wheel with various realms and stages of existence. At the center are three animals—a pig, a snake, and a rooster—representing ignorance, hatred, and desire. These three poisons are believed to keep beings trapped in the cycle of suffering, called samsara.
The Wheel of Life teaches viewers about Buddhist concepts of morality, cause and effect (karma), and the path to enlightenment. It is often displayed at monasteries and temples as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of ethical behavior. The moral lesson is clear: good actions lead to better rebirths, while bad actions lead to suffering.
Vocabulary
- Bhavachakra – The Wheel of Life, a symbolic representation of samsara.
- Liberation – Spiritual freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
- Rebirth – Being born again into a new life.
- Samsara – The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Student Authors
- Luis Estrada ’23 and Carlos Jimenez ’24
References and Image Attribution
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