- The Dhamma Wheel

Dhamma is a Sanskrit word. It refers to the path and method leading to Enlightenment. The Dhamma is able to purify the human body and spirits. It is like a lamp able to lead mankind onto the path of liberation.

The Wheel is circular in shape, like the Dhamma which is wholesome. The Wheel could turn, like the Dhamma able to make all sentient beings change from wickedness to kindness, from defilement to purity, and from the continuous cycle of birth and death to attaining Nirvana.

The Wheel has the ability to destroy, like the Dhamma able to get rid of all unwholesome thoughts. The Wheel could not turn by itself, it needs someone to turn it. In the same way, the propagation of the Dhamma requires people to propagate for it to spread.

What is meant by Turning of the Dhamma Wheel ?

It is using different methods to explain and let others understand the Dhamma, follow it and reap its benefits. It is to spread the Dhamma like the continuous turning of the Wheel.

The logo as uses in a Buddhist’s society incorporated a Dhamma Wheel and a lotus flower in its main design, this is to constantly remind ourselves as Buddhists that we should protect the Dhamma. It is only by constantly turning the Dhamma Wheel that we ensure the Dhamma lives on.

Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Dhamma

(Dhammacak kappavattana Sutta)

In this discourse at the Deer Park,  Isipatana of Sarnath, the Buddha addresses five ascetic monks who followed him before he gained Enlightenment. The Buddha cautions the monks against pursuing either of two extremes; indulgence in sensual pleasures or self-torture.

The Buddha refers to the path that avoids these extremes as the “Middle Path” (Majjhima Patipada) which allows for a direct confrontation with suffering as the means to overcome suffering. He spelt out the Four Noble Truths to describe the truth of life:

1. The existence of suffering

2. The cause of suffering

3. The cessation of suffering and

4. The path that leads to the end of suffering.

The Dhamma Wheel has been turning non-stop since then.

1st Noble Truth – Suffering (Dukhha)

When we suffer, we also cause others to suffer. Once suffering appears, it’s there, we have to live through it, we cannot “unplant” the seed of the plant we are holding in our hand.

Nonetheless, suffering is inevitable until you realise that it is not necessary.

The Buddha said: “You can renounce suffering and cease suffering to yourself and to others. When there is a cause to suffering, there is also a cause to cease suffering.” That leads us to the 2nd Noble Truth.

2nd Noble Truth – Cause of Suffering (Samudaya)

The cause of suffering: Accumulation of afflictions/craving that blinds our capacity for clarity. We are thus confused in our daily life, giving rise to suffering more often than not. Prince Siddhartha had great wealth and position, yet he left them behind for enlightenment, likewise his son Rahula and step brother Nanda (the crown prince).

So, what is Enlightenment ?

As a matter of fact, the young prince was clueless then when he did the classic “run-away from the palace”.

End of suffering is Enlightenment.

Are we truly getting happiness via endless desiring or are we setting ourselves for endless suffering ? That leads us to the 3rd Nobel Truth.

3rd Noble Truth – The Cessation ( Nirodha )

Be wise, at least we have to have some sense of lettings go of our attachment even when we gather what we want.

Are we going to let the things we possess to possess us ( i.e. to enslave us) ?

Are we accumulating the stuff of ordinary dreams at the expense of relinquishing freedom from suffering ?

Nevertheless, it would be a great tragedy to realise at the point of death, that all the stuff, all our efforts and accomplishments were dedicated to things we can’t bring along. To avoid such pitfall, we have to find a way to freedom now. That leads us to the 4th Noble Truth.

4th Noble Truth – The Path ( Magga )

Honestly, our mind doesn’t know reality on its own except to use us without our knowledge. We are literally naïve for such is the result of our uncultivated mind conditioned to clinging moment to moment, life after life. That’s the reason why we are still stuck here in samsara now.

To attain liberation, we have to find a path to transform our mind which is our most powerful tool. We are so fortunate to have the Noble Eightfold Path laid out right in front of us, a spiritual path discovered by ancient sages and the Buddha known as the Middle Path.

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to our family, to bring peace to all, we must first discipline and control our own mind. If we can discipline our mind by way of the Noble Eightfold Path, we can find the way to Enlightenment, with all the wisdom and virtues that come along to us.

We need to wake up to be liberated from our suffering. We don’t get to where we want to go just by pointing to a spot on a map. We don’t become a doctor just by saying “I want to be a doctor.”

Basic training is needed by following the Noble Eightfold Path that involves body, speech and mind in the form of (1) precepts, (2) concentration and (3) wisdom.