Samsara (from Sanskrit “journey,” “wandering”) is one of the fundamental concepts in Indian religions, meaning the cycle of birth and death in realms conditioned by the karma of past lives of a reincarnating soul.
Each of the Indian belief systems (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism) has its own interpretation of this concept. In most of them, samsara is considered an unfavorable state from which one must escape.
The soul strives for moksha (the highest moral level of perfection, after which liberation occurs) from the results of its past actions (namely, karma).
What is the meaning of the Wheel of Samsara?
Every part of the bhavachakra (a schematic representation of samsara in the form of the Wheel of Becoming) carries meaning.
The wheel is held by the god of death, Yama Dharmaraja, depicted in the form of a turtle. He symbolizes not evil in the usual sense, but the fear of death, time, and attachment to all that is material. The deity reminds us: as long as we try to “cling,” we remain in a constant cycle of birth, death, and suffering.
In the innermost circle (the very center), there are three creatures: a pig — representing ignorance, a rooster — representing attachment/addiction, and a snake — representing anger. They symbolize the three basic emotions that generate all others and motivate all negative actions underlying existence (according to samsara). They set the Wheel in motion, and it does not stop for a person as long as their actions are driven by these emotions.
Around the pig, rooster, and snake on the bhavachakra, virtuous people are depicted, possessing bright karma and whose path leads toward the heavens (for rebirth in higher realms). Opposite them are figures of unvirtuous people, bound by demons and dragged toward hell to be reborn in lower realms.
The next circle shows the consequences of karma in the form of rebirth in one of the six realms of existence:
Realm of the gods (devas), called devaloka — rebirth in this realm occurs when bliss from well-being and pride dominate consciousness. The gods are not free from suffering, as they constantly feel that their divine existence will end and they will return to lower realms.
Realm of demi-gods (asuras) — rebirth here occurs for those who had good intentions and wished to change the world but acted incorrectly and harmed others. Asuras are unhappy because they envy the gods and are consumed by jealousy.
Realm of humans — a realm of emotions, desires, and doubts. It is believed that in this world joy and suffering are balanced, which makes it the best opportunity to attain nirvana and become a Buddha (a being who has escaped samsara). Therefore, birth in the human realm is considered especially fortunate.
These three forms of rebirth are considered fortunate and belong to the upper sector of the Wheel of Samsara.
Realm of animals — those who in past lives manifested ignorance, lack of awareness, and foolishness are reborn here. This realm is characterized by constant suffering, as animals must always struggle for survival.
Realm of hungry ghosts (pretas), called pretaloka — a world of insatiable desire. Hungry ghosts are depicted as beings with thin necks through which food cannot pass.
Realm of hells (narakas), called narakaloka — a realm of anger and hatred where sinners are condemned to suffer after death. However, the suffering is not eternal; it lasts only until their negative karma is purified.
Entry into any of the six realms depends on karma and the state of consciousness at the moment of death.
The outer rim of the Wheel of Samsara contains a symbolic depiction of the teaching of cause and effect.
In conclusion, the meaning of the Wheel of Samsara is not to frighten or punish. Each turn of the wheel is an invitation to act consciously in this life and to become aware of the consequences of one’s actions.
P.S. Stay with Vedun's Artifacts — here there is always more than one can discover on their own!
