Wheel of life

The **Wheel of Life** Thanka, also known as the **Bhavachakra**, is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting that illustrates the cycle of samsara, or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This wheel serves as a visual representation of Buddhist teachings on the nature of existence and the causes of suffering.

### Key Elements of the Wheel of Life Thanka Painting:

1. **Central Wheel**:

   - **The Wheel (Bhavachakra)**: At the center of the painting is the wheel itself, often depicted with a vibrant, intricate design. The wheel is divided into several sections, each representing different realms or aspects of existence.

2. **Three Poisons**:

   - **Pig, Rooster, and Snake**: In the center of the wheel, you'll often see three animals (a pig, a rooster, and a snake) encircling each other. These represent the Three Poisons: ignorance (pig), attachment (rooster), and aversion (snake). These poisons are considered the root causes of suffering and cyclic existence.

3. **Six Realms of Existence**:

   - **The Outer Rim**: The wheel’s outer edge is divided into six sections, representing the Six Realms of Existence, which include:

     - **Deva Realm**: The realm of gods or celestial beings.

     - **Asura Realm**: The realm of jealous gods or titans.

     - **Human Realm**: The realm of human beings, considered the most favorable for achieving enlightenment.

     - **Animal Realm**: The realm of animals.

     - **Hungry Ghost Realm**: The realm of hungry ghosts or spirits suffering from intense craving.

     - **Hell Realm**: The realm of hell beings undergoing extreme suffering.

4. **Depiction of Dependent Origination**:

   - **Twelve Links**: Within the wheel, there’s often a depiction of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda), which explains how ignorance leads to the cycle of birth, suffering, and rebirth. These links illustrate the process by which suffering perpetuates itself.

5. **Outer Circle**:

   - **Yama**: The outermost circle of the wheel is often held by Yama, the Lord of Death, symbolizing the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.

6. **Symbolic Figures and Details**:

   - **Deities and Figures**: Various deities or figures might be depicted within or around the wheel, representing different aspects of the teachings related to the cycle of existence.

   - **Mantras and Texts**: Tibetan script or mantras related to the teachings on samsara may be included, providing a deeper context and connection to the Buddhist teachings.

### Significance:

- **Teaching Tool**: The Wheel of Life Thanka serves as a teaching tool to help practitioners understand the nature of samsara and the mechanisms of suffering and rebirth. It is often used in meditation to contemplate the cycle of existence and the path to liberation.

- **Reminder of Impermanence**: The painting emphasizes the impermanence of life and the importance of seeking liberation from the cycle of suffering through spiritual practice and enlightenment.

- **Guide for Practice**: By reflecting on the imagery and teachings represented in the thanka, practitioners are guided towards understanding the nature of suffering and the path to overcoming it.

The Wheel of Life Thanka is a profound and complex artwork, encapsulating core Buddhist teachings in a visually engaging and thought-provoking manner.