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[[Image:Kleshas.jpg|frame|The centre of the Wheel of Life.]] | |||
'''Wheel of Life''' - a traditional representation of the samsaric cycle of existence. | '''Wheel of Life''' - a traditional representation of the samsaric cycle of existence. | ||
[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] said: | [[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] said: | ||
:Tibetans have a traditional painting called the Wheel of Life, which depicts the samsaric cycle of | :Tibetans have a traditional painting called the Wheel of Life, which depicts the samsaric cycle of existence. In the center of this wheel are three animals: a pig, a snake, and a bird. They represent the [[three poisons]]. The pig stands for ignorance, although a pig is not necessarily more stupid than other animals. The comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it always sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. Similarly, the snake is identified with anger because it will be aroused and leap up at the slightest touch. The bird represents desire and clinging. In Western publications it is frequently referred to as a cock, but this is not exactly accurate. This particular bird does not exist in Western countries, as far as I know. It is used as a symbol because it is very attached to it's partner. These three animals represent the three main mental poisons, which are the core of the Wheel of Life. Stirred by these, the whole cycle of existence evolves. Without them, there is no [[samsara]].<ref> ''Daring Steps Toward Fearlessness: The Three Vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism'', by Ringu Tulku, Snow Lion, 2005 page 30.</ref> | ||
===Internal Links=== | |||
* [[Destructive emotions]] | |||
Revision as of 12:06, 25 July 2008
Wheel of Life - a traditional representation of the samsaric cycle of existence.
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche said:
- Tibetans have a traditional painting called the Wheel of Life, which depicts the samsaric cycle of existence. In the center of this wheel are three animals: a pig, a snake, and a bird. They represent the three poisons. The pig stands for ignorance, although a pig is not necessarily more stupid than other animals. The comparison is based on the Indian concept of a pig being the most foolish of animals, since it always sleeps in the dirtiest places and eats whatever comes to its mouth. Similarly, the snake is identified with anger because it will be aroused and leap up at the slightest touch. The bird represents desire and clinging. In Western publications it is frequently referred to as a cock, but this is not exactly accurate. This particular bird does not exist in Western countries, as far as I know. It is used as a symbol because it is very attached to it's partner. These three animals represent the three main mental poisons, which are the core of the Wheel of Life. Stirred by these, the whole cycle of existence evolves. Without them, there is no samsara.[1]
Internal Links
- ↑ Daring Steps Toward Fearlessness: The Three Vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism, by Ringu Tulku, Snow Lion, 2005 page 30.