The Wheel of Life

According to the Buddha, each thing originates because of another thing that has gone before it. Things have existence but they are not permanent or eternal. We exist – this is not an illusion. However, to think that we are eternal and have a separate core self is an illusion.

Material and mental things have causes and this chain of becoming is constant. Your experiences result from a series of causes and effects that begin in your mind. Dependent origination was a means for the Buddha to teach his followers how they are able to control their own future which can then offer them a way to free themselves from suffering.

Dependent origination is very often depicted as a wheel of life Dependent origination is very often depicted as a wheel of life. It is a symbolic representation of what life is really like. It is not meant to be interpreted literally. At the centre of the wheel of life are the three Mental (root) poisons – greed, hatred and ignorance. They are usually depicted as a chicken, snake and pig biting each other’s tails to show that they feed off each other.

The Snake, Pig and Chicken The two circles beyond the centre show the Six Realms

1. The realm of the gods – devas These beings live a life of luxury and pleasure and want for nothing. They are not gods in the sense of, for example, the Christian, Jewish or Islamic concept of god. 2. The realm of asuras These are usually called angry gods: gods who would like the position of devas and will go out of their way to get what they want.

3. The realm of pretas These are called hungry ghosts. They are constantly hungry and thirsty. They never feel full no matter how much they have been given. They can never be satisfied. 4. The animal realm Consciousness here is not as great as within the human realm. Ignorance is greater. Animals hunt and kill. They prey on each other to survive. 5. The human realm 6. The realm of hells This is the exact opposite of the devas.

Finally, the outer ring depicts the twelve links or nidanas which show how cause and effect create continual rebecoming. It shows why the whole Wheel of Samsara keeps turning.

The wheel is held by Yama, the Lord of Death, who has ultimate control over the fate of those who live in samsara. Outside the wheel stands the Buddha pointing to the moon, which symbolises freedom – nibbana.

Questions Do you agree or disagree with Buddha that we are agents of our own fortune? Give reasons for your answer. (3 Marks) It is sometimes thought that Yama is holding up the wheel like a mirror to us. When we look at it we see our reflection. Do you think this is a good analogy? Give reasons for your answer. (2 Marks) 3. How does the Wheel of help to explain the idea of Samsara? (4 Marks)