The Meaning of the Buddha Pose 'Wheel of Dharma'

The Dharmachakra Mudra is also known as 'Turning the Wheel of Dharma.' It symbolizes the moment that the Buddha preached his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. It can be thought of us a symbolic gesture of the Buddha setting into motion the wheel of the teaching of Dharma. The wheel itself is the wheel of law which consists of eight spokes that represent the Noble Eightfold path. These are Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. Each a part of the Buddhist philosophy of pursuit of Wisdom, Ethical Conduct and Mental Development.

In this wheel of Dharma pose, the tips of the thumb and index finger of both hands touch to form circles. This represents the wheel of Dharma. It can be thought of in metaphysical terms as the union of method and wisdom. The other fingers are extended and each has a symbolic significance.

On the right hand the middle finger symbolizes those who hear the teachings of Buddha. The ringer finger is the represents the solitary realizers. The little finger is the Mahayana or Great Vehicle. The fingers of the left hand are the three jewels of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma. The proper position for this mudra has the hands placed in front of the heart to represent the teachings that emanate directly from the Buddha's heart.

The Dharamachakara Mudra was assumed by the first Buddha Vairochana, one of the five Dhyani Buddhas. His name meant "He Who is like the sun" or "the radiating one." He possessed the wisdom of Dharmadhatu, where all things appeared as they truly are, the absolute Buddha nature. By taking the position of this mudra, the Buddha Vairochana turned ignorance to reality.

The mudras are typically symbolic of a critical event within the Buddha's life or an important tenant of his teachings. Turning the Wheel of Dharma is a well-known pose of the Buddha frequently captured in the Buddhist art and Buddha statues seen in Asia and around the world.