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This Thangka depicts the wheel of life. The Wheel of life is a detailed representation of basic Buddhist belief i.e. the transmigratory existence. The form in which a being is reborn into the Universe depends upon his karma. This suffering of rebirth affects the whole living universe. The Wheel is held in the embrace of Shenje, ruler of the Dead, showing that all beings must eventually meet Death. Outside the wheel is a figure of Lord Buddha, who is free from the moral and mental obstructions which can prevent all living beings from achieving Enlightenment. His presence outside the wheel implies his escape from the cycle of life. The wheel is divided into three parts: axle, spokes and rim. The Axle depicts three evils ignorance, lust and Hatred in the form of Pig, Cock and Snake respectively. To relieve all living beings from suffering we must be aware of these three evils. The outer axle shows the manifestation of a white bright heaven and a dark black hell. The Spokes of the wheel divide our Universe into six sensual realms: Gods, Demigods or Titans, Human beings, Animals, Yidags or Ghosts, and Hells. In each realm suffering exits, the beings of the six realms cannot escape the suffering of the Universe. Also in each realm, compassion of Lord Buddha is pervading from every direction, this helps all beings towards the path to enlightenment and release from the suffering of the rebirth. |
