Buddha Art: Wheel & Deer Symbolism Explained
In Buddhist art, specific symbols are used to represent key events from Gautam Buddha's life. The combination of a wheel and deer holds a very specific meaning.
Iconographic Meaning
- The Wheel (Dharmachakra): Symbolizes the Dharma (Buddha's teachings) and the turning of the wheel of law.
- The Deer: Typically represent the place, Sarnath, which was historically a deer park (Mrigadava).
Associated Event
The depiction of the Dharmachakra (wheel) accompanied by deer directly signifies The first preaching at Sarnath. This event is also known as the turning of the wheel of Dharma, marking the beginning of the Buddha's teaching ministry after his enlightenment.
Distinguishing from Other Events
Other major events in Buddha's life are represented by different symbols:
- Leaving the Royal Palace: Often symbolized by a horse.
- Attaining Enlightenment: Symbolized by the Bodhi Tree.
- Mahāparinirvāṇa (Death): Often represented by a stupa or a reclining figure.
Thus, the wheel and deer motif uniquely identifies the Buddha's first sermon.
Important Questions from Buddhism
Which of the following statement is correct?
I. Vardhaman Mahavira was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.
II. Buddha taught that karma has no effect on our lives.
What was the date of the Third Buddhist Council?
At which of the following places did Lord Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below:
List - I
(Events in Buddha's Life)
List - II
(Symbolic representation)
(a)
Birth
(i)
Bodhi Tree
(b)
Enlightenment
(ii)
Chakra
(c)
First sermon
(iii)
Bull
(d)
Demise
(iv)
Stupa
In Indian philosophy; who was the Buddhist monk, who is commonly considered the founder of Chan Buddhism in China - later known as Zen in Japan?
