Related Terms • dorje • Romany Chakra • ghanta • phurba • kartika • kalachakra • dharmachakra Related Resources • Taoism • Shinto • Sikhhism Glossaries  • Symbol Glossary • Alternative Religions Glossary • Glossary of Magick and the Occult

The dharmachakra is a Buddhist emblem of Hindu origin. It resembles a wagon wheel with eight spokes, each representing one of the eight tenets of buddhist belief. The circle symbolizes the completeness of the Dharma, the spokes represent the eightfold path leading to enlightenment:

Right faith, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right endeavor, right mindfullness, and right meditation.

It is drawn from an Indian symbol, but instead of representing Samsara, or endless rebirth, it symbolizes overcoming obstacles.