Wheel of life Thangka Painting

Description

This exquisite Wheel of Life was crafted with care on a cotton canvas in Kathmandu, Nepal, measuring 82*62 cm.

The Wheel of life is a symbolic representation of the Buddhist teachings of the Four Noble Truths, which explain the existence of suffering in the world, its source, the path to freedom from it, and its eventual cessation.

The thangka painting illustrates how all of our misfortunes are the consequences of our own actions, as Karma dictates. Each section of the artwork serves as a reminder that we are solely responsible for our own destiny, and we are our own judges. Fate is represented by Yama, who holds the wheel in his claws by the very top.

Buddha and Wheel of life

This design is thought to have originated from Buddha himself and symbolizes the never-ending cycle of life. A minister demon, Yama, the god of death, clutches the wheel.

The center of the wheel is decorated with a small circle that shows a pig, snake, and rooster, which stand for the three cardinal sins; ignorance, anger, and lust. The animals are biting each other, illustrating their connection.

Meaning of Main part

The meanings of the main parts of the Painting are: The symbols on the hub of the wheel signify the three afflictions of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. The second layer symbolizes karma. The third level symbolizes the six realms of cyclic existence. The fourth layer symbolizes the twelve interdependent factors of causation. The fierce figure holding the wheel represents impermanence. The moon above the wheel symbolizes freedom from the cycle of life and death. The Buddha gesturing towards the white circle suggests that freedom can be attained.