Wheel of life Traditional Thangka Painting

Description

This beautiful Wheel of Life was carefully made on a cotton canvas in Kathmandu, Nepal, measuring 60*76 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 demonstrates how our misfortunes are the result of our own choices, as Karma dictates. Each part of the artwork serves to remind us that we are solely responsible for our destiny, and we are the ones who judge ourselves. Yama, who holds the wheel in his claws at the apex, symbolizes Fate.

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 hub of the wheel is adorned with a tiny circle that displays a pig, snake, and rooster, which symbolize the three cardinal sins; ignorance, rage, and desire. The creatures are biting each other, demonstrating their interdependence.

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.