Dharmachakra, a
Sanskrit word which means 'Wheel of Truth or Law', is a Buddhist symbol of Hindu origin. The Dharmachakra resembles a wagon wheel with eight spokes. It represents the wheel of the
Buddha's teaching and the spokes symbolize his eightfold path that leads to enlightenment, or the eight tenets of Buddhist belief namely, right faith, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right endeavor, right mindfulness and right meditation. The circle indicates the completeness of the Dharma (law). The Dharmachakra signifies overcoming of obstacles.
There are 3 swirling segments in the middle of the wheel which represent Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (the group of ordained Buddhist monks and nuns). The Dharmachakra can also be divided into three parts. The rim is meant for concentration, the spokes for wisdom and the hub for discipline.
The symbol is related to a story about Buddha which goes that soon after Buddha attained enlightenment, Lord Brahma appeared before him and gave him a dharmachakra. Brahma requested the Buddha to lead the people along the path of enlightenment. The first teaching of Buddha at the Deer Park in Sarnath is known as Dharmachakra Parivartan (change) where he started a new cycle of teaching. Buddha is known as the Wheel-Turner.
