The wheel of Samsara represents the eternal circle of rebirth. In the Wheel, karma is of great importance, which depends on activity and emotions . During life, each person has the opportunity to change and achieve enlightenment, and everything in order to purify karma. There is one more name - the Wheel of Life. His image can be found on numerous Buddhist buildings.
What is the Wheel of Samsara in Buddhism?
The Wheel of Life contains several components that have their own meaning. In the center in the smallest circle are the three main poisons of the mind, which prevent a person from attaining nirvana. They are represented by animals:
- red cock - a symbol of greed, affection and lust;
- the green snake is a symbol of hatred and envy;
- The black pig is a symbol of darkness and ignorance.
It is in this place is the energy that activates the wheel. The next stage is called the Bardo and it represents the spirits that the demons bring down. It is here that Samsara originates.
Then comes the circle. The wheels are six worlds, which are divided into two groups. The upper level gives people a lot of happiness and includes:
- The World of Gods . Here is the life of the highest spirits in the Wheel of Samsara. If the Gods are influenced by the poisons of the mind, they are rejected by this world and after rebirth they go to low levels. In general, rebirth here is a source of pride.
- The world of the demigods or the Titans . Titans are creatures that spend a lot of time on conflicts and various disassemblies. According to legend, it is in this world that the Tree of Life grows, but only the Gods can enjoy its fruits. Rebirth in this world causes jealousy.
- The World of People . Here are all the people who live on earth. Man for his life is suffering a lot, then it is here that there is an opportunity to change and find the right way, which is absolutely impossible in other existing worlds. A desire leads to rebirth.
The lower level, where there is more suffering and grief, includes:
- Animal World . Animals also suffer various sufferings during their lifetime, for example, they starve, suffer from cold, etc. Negative karma and ignorance lead to rebirth.
- The World of Hungry Spirits . The spirits that are here suffer from hunger and thirst. Reborn here, not only because of negative karma, but also because of greed, and greed.
- Infernal world . Here are the damned spirits who are subject to tremendous agony. The existence of the soul ceases when negative karma dissects. Hatred and anger lead to rebirth.
For a person, only two of the existing worlds are understandable and explainable: the world of people and animals. In Buddhism, it is believed that a person is blind and he simply does not notice many things, including other important worlds. In the world there are several different manifestations that are parallel to each other.
The last circle of Samsara consists of 12 images, which symbolize the poisons of the mind and other suffering. The Wheel of Life holds in its hands the demon of ignorance of Mar.
How to get out of the Wheel of Samsara?
As for this issue, disputes have not abated until now. There are cardinally opposing opinions. Some believe that this is simply impossible, because in whatever world the soul is, it will be subject to suffering. This is because the Wheel holds the demon. Other people are sure that to leave the Wheel of Life, one can only reach nirvana and enlightenment. It is necessary to understand the primary source of attachment in Samsara, which will allow you to free yourself from it and gain freedom. In simple words, only wisdom will help to get out of the Wheel of Life.